*Full Names of Senators that Defected
* Their Letter to Senate President
No fewer than 15 senators of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defection of the legislators which remains the highest in Nigeria’s political history was sequel to a letter signed by the lawmakers and made public during plenary by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
Following the announcement of the defection of the lawmakers there was uproar as those opposed to it made spirited to avert it. However, it was an exercise in futility as the defection sailed through.
Giving reasons for their decision, the defectors argued that the APC was has factionalised. They insisted that they would not continue to pursue their political careers under the ruling party.
The joint letter of the lawmakers reads:
Dear Senate President,
After due consultation, with our constituents and stakeholders in our constituency, in proper recognition section 16 (1G) of the 1999 constitution, and for the fact of our party, The All Progressives Congress, we hereby inform the Senate that we the undersigned;
Senators:
Dino Melaye
Barnabas Gemade
Ibrahim Danbaba
Shaaba Lafiaji
Mohammed Shitu
Rafiu Ibrahim
Suleiman Hunkuyi
Isa Misau
Monsurat Sunmonu
Soji Akanbi
Usman Nafada
Musa Kwankwaso
Suleiman Nazif
Lanre Tejuosho
We hereby inform you that we are changing our political affiliation from APC to PDP.
We thank you for your exemplary leadership.
The Senate President also stated that Senator Abdulazaz Nyako has also announced his defection.
Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawal opposed the defection. He argued that the affected lawmakers should be quarantined while the letter written by the defected lawmakers should be stood down. However, his argument was not enough to sway the upper chamber of the National Assembly to his desire to have his way.
