A fresh wave of political realignment hit the National Assembly on Tuesday as the Senator representing Bauchi North, Dr Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter dated 11 October, addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary, Kaila said his decision was driven by “prolonged internal divisions, recurring factionalisation, and loss of strategic direction within the PDP,” which he said had “gravely constrained his ability to discharge his constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience.”
The lawmaker said that after wide consultations with key stakeholders and constituents in Bauchi North, he resolved to join a “more progressive platform that embodies good governance, unity, progress, growth, and discipline in public service.”
“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 engagement with a platform that reflects my ideals and the aspirations of my constituents,” Kaila said.
He expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a set of “bold and transformative reforms aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening governance, and repositioning the nation for sustainable growth.”
“These efforts reflect the decisive leadership Nigeria needs, and I am convinced they align with my legislative ideals and my enduring conviction to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
The senator also lauded Senate President Akpabio for what he called “exemplary leadership” of the 10th Senate, which he said “continues to attract confidence and unity across party lines.”
Receiving the letter, Akpabio welcomed Kaila to the APC, joking that he “almost thought he was reading a letter from Senator Abdul Ningi,” a fellow Bauchi lawmaker and vocal PDP member.
Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, immediately moved to formally welcome Kaila into the APC fold, describing his defection as “a validation of the Tinubu administration’s reforms and the Senate’s commitment to national progress.”
With this latest defection, the APC further consolidates its majority in the 10th Senate, making 74, continuing a pattern of political shifts that analysts say could reshape the dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP is now left with 27, Labour 4, NNPP 1, and SDP 1.
