I have come to the firm conclusion that continuing my membership with the NNPP would no longer serve the national interest, nor the interests of my constituents
In a significant political development, Senator Suleiman Kawu, representing Kano South, has formally defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move follows Senator Kawu’s expression of deep dissatisfaction with the internal crises and legal disputes plaguing the NNPP.
Senator Kawu’s decision to leave the NNPP stems from the party’s severe internal divisions and dysfunctionality.
In his letter of defection, he highlighted several factors that led to his decision, including, Multiple court cases that have fractured the party’s structure and eroded internal cohesion, factional leadership struggles that have created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party, the emergence of multiple party factions, each operating under distinct logos, further underscoring the NNPP’s disintegration
Specific Examples of Party Disintegration
Senator Kawu specifically referenced several ongoing court cases that exemplify the NNPP’s internal problems, including:
NNPP vs. Boniface and 20 others
Chuku Chukuneguru and others vs. NNPP and INEC
NNPP vs. Dr. Manifest
These cases, he argued, demonstrate the party’s inability to resolve its internal disputes and provide a stable leadership structure.
Senator Kawu invoked Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows lawmakers to defect from their parties in cases of internal division. This constitutional provision provides a legal basis for his decision to leave the NNPP and join the APC.
Senator Kawu described the APC as a “national and international platform” that would better support his legislative mandate and the aspirations of his constituents in the 16 local governments of Kano South.
Senator Kawu said, “I have observed a growing number of litigations that have practically torn the party apart and left the structure fractured.
“These legal battles have eroded internal cohesion and created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party.
“I have come to the firm conclusion that continuing my membership with the NNPP would no longer serve the national interest, nor the interests of my constituents.”
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele welcomed Senator Kawu’s defection, noting that the move followed extensive consultations. He expressed optimism that Senator Rufai Hanga, the only remaining NNPP senator from Kano, might also consider joining the APC.