President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declined to assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Establishment Bill, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, citing conflicts with existing legal provisions.
Simultaneously, Sam Atu, a Labour Party (LP) member from Enugu State in the House of Representatives, announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting a leadership crisis within the LP as his reason for leaving.
Tinubu’s Rejection of NDLEA Bill
In a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during the House plenary, President Tinubu explained his decision to withhold assent to the NDLEA Establishment Bill, invoking Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution.
The proposed amendment sought to allow the NDLEA to retain a percentage of drug crime proceeds for its operations.
Tinubu argued that this provision conflicts with existing laws, which mandate that all crime proceeds be deposited into a dedicated account.
He noted that only the President, with National Assembly approval, can authorize withdrawals from such accounts, ensuring accountability and mutual respect between the Executive and Legislature.
Labour Party Lawmaker Defects to APC
During the same plenary session, Sam Atu, a Labour Party representative from Enugu State, formally announced his defection to the APC.
In a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen, Atu cited the ongoing leadership crisis within the LP at both state and national levels as a key factor in his decision.
He stated that the internal turmoil hindered his ability to provide constructive representation for his constituents.
After consultations with stakeholders, Atu chose to align with the APC, praising President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the establishment of the South East Development Commission as evidence of commitment to regional development.
Call to Declare Seat Vacant
The defection sparked immediate controversy, with Minority Whip Ali Isa JC urging Speaker Tajudeen to declare Atu’s seat vacant.
Isa argued that the defection violates Section 68(1g) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which addresses lawmakers’ party switches.
The call reflects ongoing debates about the legal implications of political defections in Nigeria’s legislature.
Broader Context of Political Shifts
Atu’s defection adds to a growing trend of opposition lawmakers joining the APC, with recent defections including Senator Neda Imasuen and others from the Labour Party.
These shifts, often attributed to internal party crises and political realignments ahead of future elections, are reshaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape.
President Tinubu’s rejection of the NDLEA Bill and the latest defection underscore the dynamic interplay of policy and politics in Nigeria, with implications for governance and legislative stability.
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