The Senator representing Kano South, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, on Wednesday, formally announced his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening internal crises and legal disputes within his former party.
Senator Sumaila’s letter of defection was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Senate plenary on Wednesday, prompting reactions from his colleagues.
In the letter, the Senator invoked Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits lawmakers to defect from their political parties in the event of internal division.
Sumaila, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, described the NNPP as “severely divided and dysfunctional” party, citing “compelling and undeniable developments”, including multiple court cases and factional leadership struggles.
“I have observed a growing number of litigations that have practically torn the party apart and left the structure fractured,” he said. “These legal battles have eroded internal cohesion and created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party.”
He referenced ongoing cases such as ‘NNPP vs. Boniface and 20 Others’, ‘Chuku Chukuneguru and Others vs. NNPP and INEC’, and ‘NNPP vs. Dr. Manifest’, all contributing to party disunity and leadership legitimacy crises.
Senator Sumaila also pointed to the emergence of multiple party factions, each operating under distinct logos, as further evidence of the NNPP’s disintegration.
He said the “unprecedented scenario” reflected a splintering of the party’s identity “in both form and substance.”
“I have come to the firm conclusion that continuing my membership with the NNPP would no longer serve the national interest, nor the interests of my constituents,” he stated.
The vocal lawmaker described the APC as “a national and international platform” that would better support his legislative mandate and the aspirations of his constituents in the 16 local government areas of Kano South senatorial district of Kano State.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, speaking under Order 41 (Personal Explanation), welcomed Senator Sumaila’s defection, noting that the move came after extensive consultations.
He expressed hope that the only remaining NNPP Senator from Kano State, Senator Rufai Hanga, would also consider joining the APC.
In response, Senate President Akpabio also welcomed the defection, noting its significance and jokingly remarked, “We don’t clap in the Senate. We can shake our heads.”
He then urged APC leaders in the chamber to formally receive the newest member of their caucus.
However, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro offered a contrasting perspective, stating that while lawmakers were free to align with parties of their choice, many often defect based on what he described as “nebulous” grounds for political convenience. Nonetheless, he wished Senator Sumaila well in his new party.
In a final statement under Order 42, Senator Sumaila expressed gratitude to his colleagues and constituents, promising to intensify his legislative efforts in service to the nation.
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