A group of Nigerian senators who recently left their previous political parties have explained their reasons for joining the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), citing the need for leadership recognition, alignment with collective objectives and structural support, they said on Thursday in Abuja.
The lawmakers addressed the matter at a press briefing held at the Federal Capital Territory.
Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Douye Diri, Sen. Godwin Obaseki and Sen. Magnus Abe were among those who announced their decision to leave their former parties and join the NNPP.
At the briefing, the lawmakers outlined that their decision was influenced by what they described as “the inability of their former parties to provide the recognition and support they sought to pursue their legislative and political objectives.”
Tambuwal, who was previously elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his decision was informed by a “desire to be part of a responsive platform that recognises and supports the contributions of its members.”
Sen. Abaribe, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, said he found that the NNPP’s structure and leadership alignment were more consistent with his legislative priorities.
He stated that his move was “to align with a party that supports collaborative engagement and shared values.”
Sen. Diri, who served as governor of Bayelsa State before his current legislative role, said he joined the NNPP because he believed the party’s internal mechanisms “provide an avenue for collective decision‑making and progressive policy formulation.”
Sen. Obaseki, formerly the governor of Edo State and later a member of the PDP, said the NNPP’s leadership recognition framework “resonates with my commitment to inclusive governance and constituent engagement.”
Sen. Abe, who was previously with the APC, said he chose NNPP as a result of its “readiness to accommodate diverse viewpoints and empower members in policy articulation.”
The NNPP has experienced an increase in national visibility in recent months, partly due to high‑profile political movements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political party switches and realignments are common features of Nigeria’s multiparty system, particularly as major election cycles approach.
Political parties in Nigeria are required to be registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and operate under the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act.
The senators publicly announced their departure from their former parties during a press briefing in Abuja.
They provided personal explanations focusing on recognition, alignment, and structural support within their new party, the NNPP.
Each senator referenced specific aspects of the NNPP’s internal organisation that they said influenced their decisions.
The movement of high‑profile legislators from major parties into the NNPP reflects ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Such shifts can influence legislative caucus compositions and political strategy ahead of forthcoming elections.
Senators’ decisions to join the NNPP may shape public perception of party strengths and have implications for coalition dynamics in the National Assembly.
