…Bauchi senator defects to APC
The number of senators on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dropped from 28 to 27 following the defection of Senator Kaila Dahuwa Samaila (Bauchi North) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
His defection has enabled the ruling APC to secure a two-thirds majority in the Senate, after it attained a total of 73 lawmakers.
Kaila, in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary, cited the prolonged internal crises within the PDP as the major reason for his defection.
He said the recurring factionalisation and lack of direction in the opposition party had “gravely constrained” his ability to serve his constituents effectively and in good conscience.
“The Peoples Democratic Party has gravely constrained my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience,” he wrote.
“As one deeply committed to the service of our nation and the welfare of my people, I have found it necessary to realign my political engagements with a more progressive platform that embodies good governance, unity, progress, growth, and discipline in the governance of our country.”
The lawmaker explained that his decision to join the APC was also inspired by President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, which he described as bold, transformative, and necessary for Nigeria’s recovery.
“Consequently, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress and to lend my full commitment to the reforms of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu,” Kaila stated.
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“I hold in high regard the bold and transformative reforms initiated by the President, aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening governance, and repositioning our nation for sustainable growth.”
According to him, Tinubu’s leadership represents the kind of “decisive direction” Nigeria needs to move forward.
“These efforts reflect the decisive leadership our country needs. I am confident that these reform efforts align with my legislative ideals and my enduring conviction to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and democratic advancement,” he added.
With Kaila’s defection, the APC now commands 73 seats in the 109-member Senate, securing a two-thirds majority.
The new configuration of the Senate stands as follows: APC – 73; PDP – 27; Labour Party – 4; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 2; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 1; and Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2.
