Akpabio confirms Kawu Sumaila’s defection from NNPP to APC

In a fresh wave of political realignments, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South, has officially left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His defection was formally announced during Wednesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read out Sumaila’s letter to the chamber.

In the letter, the lawmaker said his decision to leave the NNPP was “anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party”

Sumaila, who previously served as senior special assistant to former president Muhammadu Buhari on national assembly matters, described the NNPP as “severely divided and dysfunctional”.

“Over the past months, litigations have torn the party apart and left its structures fractured,” the letter reads.

“These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion, but have created parallel authorities within the party.

“A further manifestation of this is the existence of multiple factions, each with its own distinct leadership.”

In May 2022, Sumaila, who is a former member of the house of representatives, dumped the APC for the NNPP.

However, in a Facebook post on April 23, he announced his return to the ruling party.

“Yes, it is true — the rumours regarding my defection are accurate,” he wrote.

“All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency.”