Fifteen senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They announced their movement to the PDP in a letter to President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, which was read at plenary on Tuesday.
The defectors are Dino Melaye (Kogi-West),Β Barnabas Gemade (Benue North-East), Ibrahim Danbaba (Sokoto), Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara North) and Ubali Shittu (Jigawa North-East).
Others are Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara South), Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North),Β Isa Misau (Bauchi Central),Β Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo Central), Soji Akanbi (Oyo South) and Usman Nafada (Gombe North).
Also on the list are Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central), Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi North), Olanrewaju Tejuosho (Ogun Central) and Abdulaziz Nyako (Adamawa Central).
Citing Section 68(1G) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the defectors said βwe hereby inform the Senate that we, the undersigned are changing our political affiliation from All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples DemocraticΒ Party (PDP).
βWe thank you for your exemplary leadership.β
They said that their action was after due consultation with their constituents and stakeholders in their constituencies.
Reacting to the development, Senate Leader, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, said βthe APC,Β our party certainly has its own internal challenges.
βBut, Mr President, we all know how much effort he and other stakeholders have put into addressing the issues that bedevil this party.
βThe disagreements do not translate into factions. I therefore feel that our senators of the APC do not have to move to any other party.
βI also believe that because the issues are under serious discussions by the major stakeholders of this party, I will urge that the announcement be quarantined.
βVery seriously, this matter should be stepped down until we exhaust all the opportunities,β Lawan said.
In his remarks, Saraki said βas you know and have seen that the seat beside you is empty.
βAs we speak, the Deputy Senate President cannot get out of his house.
βHe is under siege. This morning, I could not also leave my street as well, all by efforts of some people that believe that todayβs sitting must not hold because some members want to move or defect.
βIt is not something that has started today; it will not end today; people have gone, theyβve come back.
βBut this kind of action does not allow for what you are saying.
βYou are speaking as the leader of the Senate, who has been here for many years.β (NAN)
