The Senator representing Bauchi North, Kaila Samaila, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within his former party and confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Samaila made the announcement through a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary on Tuesday. The senator explained that persistent leadership struggles and divisions in the PDP had crippled his ability to effectively represent his constituents and fulfill his legislative duties.
“The Peoples Democratic Party has gravely limited my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience,” he wrote. “As someone dedicated to the service of our nation, I have decided to realign with a more progressive and disciplined platform that upholds the principles of good governance and national unity.”
The Bauchi lawmaker praised President Tinubu’s administration for what he described as “bold and transformative economic reforms”, expressing confidence in the President’s capacity to steer Nigeria toward stability and sustainable growth.
“I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress and fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s courageous policies aimed at restoring economic balance, improving governance, and driving long-term national development,” he added.
Senator Samaila also commended Senate President Akpabio for his “exemplary leadership and commitment to legislative excellence” in guiding the 10th Senate.
With his defection, the APC now holds 74 seats in the Senate, strengthening its majority. The PDP has 27 senators, the Labour Party holds four, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has two, while both the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) retain one seat each, bringing the total to 109 senators.
The development comes amid a wave of political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s mid-term political season, as lawmakers position themselves in response to ongoing reforms at the federal level.