By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Jalingo
A former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-Senator representing Southern Taraba, Joel Danladi Ikenya, has announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ikenya, who is from the same local government area as Governor Agbu Kefas, was a strong member of the APC in Taraba and a known political ally of the governor.
Announcing his decision, the former minister said his move followed what he described as “careful consideration, due diligence and wide consultations” with key stakeholders across the state.
According to him, the defection was taken in the best interest of his constituents and Taraba State at large.
“You are all aware that the PDP remains the party that gave me the platform to attain all the positions I have held in politics, and this is where I believe I am loved,” he said.
His exit from the APC coincides with the party’s recent decision to shift the date for Governor Kefas’ expected defection from the PDP to the APC.
The former senator’s move has taken many political actors by surprise, despite earlier speculation that he may be positioning himself for the Taraba governorship race in 2027.