Senator Sumaila Kawu, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, has formally defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep-seated divisions and legal battles that have rendered his former party dysfunctional.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President and read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Kawu said his decision to join the APC was in line with Section 68, Subsection 1(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits lawmakers to switch parties if their original party is plagued by division.
“I write to formally notify the Senate through your esteemed office of my defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress, the largest party in Africa, in accordance with the provisions of Section 68, Subsection 1(g) of the Constitution,” Kawu stated.
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He said the NNPP had become riddled with litigation that have fractured its leadership structure and led to the formation of multiple factions with different party logos.
“These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion but created conflicting authorities within the party. The existence of multiple factions with separate logos is unprecedented and reflects a clear splintering of the party’s identity,” he said.
Senator Kawu first hinted at his defection in March during a public gathering in Kano, where he declared his intention to join the APC, describing it as the “only stable party in Nigeria.”
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With Tuesday’s formal notification, his defection has now been officially documented in the Senate.
“In the spirit of democratic accountability and in line with my constitutional right, I have moved to the All Progressives Congress, a national platform which I believe will better support my legislative responsibilities and the aspirations of the good people of my senatorial district,” he concluded.
Kawu called on the Senate President to ensure the notification is entered into the Senate’s records for necessary legislative action.
