The Senate on Wednesday formally received a letter from Senator Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu (OFR, PhD) of Kano South Senatorial District, announcing his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable divisions within the NNPP.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Senator Kawu’s letter during plenary, where the lawmaker declared his move to the APC pursuant to Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Kawu described the APC as “the largest party in Africa” and “the only stable party in Nigeria.”
In his letter, Kawu stated that his decision to quit the NNPP was driven by “compelling and undeniable developments” that have left the party “severely divided and dysfunctional.” He lamented the wave of internal litigations and multiple court cases—such as NNPP vs Boniface & 20 others, Chuku Chukuneguru & others vs NNPP,NNPP & others vs Dr. Manifest—which, according to him, highlights a crisis of legitimacy, disunity, and factional leadership within the party.
“These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion but have also created parallel and conflicting authorities within the NNPP,” Kawu wrote.
He noted that the existence of multiple party factions, each with its own distinct logo, underscores the severity of the party’s fragmentation.
Arguing that these developments meet the constitutional threshold for a legitimate defection, Kawu said continuing with the NNPP “would no longer serve the national interest, nor the interests of my constituents.”
He added: “Therefore, 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.”
The defection letter concluded with Kawu requesting that the Senate record and take legislative notice of his move.
While the chamber observed the announcement without clapping, the Senate President acknowledged the development with subtle remarks suggesting the APC leadership should officially welcome the senator into its fold.
Kawu’s defection is seen as another blow to the NNPP, which has been grappling with internal crises since the end of the 2023 general elections.
