At plenary on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter of the lawmaker’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress. The letter, titled “Notification of defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC),” states that Sumaila’s decision to leave the NNPP is based on compelling and indisputable developments within the party that have left it severely divided and dysfunctional. “In accordance with Section 68, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to the Senate President on behalf of the Senate. I write to formally notify the Senate through your esteemed office of my defection from the NNPP to the APC, the largest party in Africa.” The letter stated that my decision to leave the NNPP was based on compelling and indisputable developments within the party, which have left the party severely divided and dysfunctional.
Over the past months, I have observed a growing number of litigations that have practically torn the party apart and left its structure fractured.
“All of which clearly centred on issues of party disunity, functional leadership, and the legitimacy of its operations.
“These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion but have created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party.”
The lawmaker added that a further manifestation of the division was the existence of multiple factions, each with its own distinct party logo.
This, he noted underscored the depth of the division and reflected a clear and public splintering of the party’s identity in both form and substance, as the party was divided in form and substance.
“Therefore, in the spirit of democratic accountability and in line with my constitutional right, I have moved to APC, a national platform, an international platform, which I believe will better support my legislative responsibilities and aspirations of the good people of my senatorial district,” he said.
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