Gov. Yusuf reacts to defection of 8 Kano NNPP Reps to APC

Kano governor Abba Yusuf has said the defection of eight NNPP lawmakers to APC at the National Assembly in Abuja was part of democratic process while noting that political realignments were not unusual in a vibrant democracy.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, in Kano on Wednesday.

Dawakin-Tofa said that the lawmakers cited internal NNPP crisis as the reason for their move.

He listed the defected lawmakers to include Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe, Garba Ibrahim Diso, Hassan Shehu Hussain, Idris Dankawu, Muhammad Chiroma Nalaraba, Rabiu Yusuf, Dr Ghali Mustapha Tijjani and Muhammad Bello Shehu.

The spokesperson noted that the event was attended by the former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar-Ganduje and the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin.

Dawakin-Tofa quoted Gov. Yusuf as reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano state, irrespective of political differences.

The governor emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among elected representatives for the overall development of the state.

The eight Kano lawmakers were among 30 members of House of Representatives who officially defected from their respective political parties, citing internal crises as reasons for their actions during plenary of the House on Tuesday.

The lawmakers announced their defections in separate letters read on the floor of the house by the Speaker, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen.

Notable among the defectors is the Deputy Spokesperson for the House, Rep. Philip Agbese who moved from the APC to Labour Party (LP), citing internal party crisis in Benue APC.

Equally notable was the defection of an Imo-born lawmaker, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who dumped Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Party (APP).

Rep. Aliyu Abdullahi of Katsina also moved from APC to African Democratic Congress (ADC), with Rep. George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip, defecting from LP to ADC.

Other PDP members who defected included Rep. Akanni Clement from Osun who moved to Accord; Reps. Yayal Tongo of Gombe, Mani Katami, Abdussamad Dasuki and Umar Yabo who all defected to ADC.

While Rep. Bello Shinkafi of Zamfara and Ibrahim Mohammed of Kebbi joined APC, Reps Mohammed Bassi, James Barka, Laori Bitrus, Zakaria Nyampa and Kobis Thimnu defected from PDP to APC.

Also, Rep. Midala Balami of Borno and Rep. Mohammed Bargaja of Sokoto moved from PDP to APC.

In Taraba, Rep. Jaafaru Yakubu, who represents Bali/Gassol and Rep. Sadiq Tafida representing Jalingo/Yorro/Zing moved from PDP to APC.

The speaker wished all the defectors well in their future political careers.

(NAN)