The numerical strength of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) received boost again on Tuesday as the Senator representing Bauchi North, Kaila Samaila, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for APC.
With this latest development, the APC now has 74 senators, the PDP 27, the Labour Party has four, the All Progressives Grand Alliance has two, the New Nigeria Peoples Party has one, and the Social Democratic Party has one, bringing the total to 109.
Kaila, in a letter written to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary on Tuesday, cited the unending crisis in the PDP as the major reason for his defection.
According to him, his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the party’s internal challenges, which had “gravely constrained” his ability to serve his constituents effectively.
The letter read in part, “The Peoples Democratic Party has gravely constrained my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience.
“As one deeply committed to the service of our nation and the welfare of my people, I have found it necessary to realign my political engagements with a more progressive platform that embodies good governance, unity, progress, growth, and discipline in the governance of our country.”
Kaila said his move to the ruling APC was motivated by President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, which he described as “bold and transformative”.
“I hold in high regard the bold and transformative reforms initiated by the President, aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening governance, and repositioning our nation for sustainable growth,” he said.
The lawmaker, who stated that Tinubu’s leadership represents the kind of “decisive” direction Nigeria needs to move forward, also commended Akpabio for what he described as “exemplary leadership” of the 10th Senate.
The lawmaker concluded by pledging loyalty to his new party and reaffirming his commitment to national unity and development.
