Kaduna: In a dramatic turn of events, six serving members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing constitutional breaches, poor legislative management, and deepening internal crises within the PDP.
The lawmakers, led by factional Speaker Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, announced their decision on Wednesday in Gusau, the state capital, after submitting formal defection letters.
They accused the Assembly of acting as a “rubber stamp” to Governor Dauda Lawal and claimed their suspension had silenced constituents for nearly two years.
Those who defected include Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, Hon. Nasiru Maru representing Gummi 1, Hon. Bashir Masama representing Bukkuyum North, Hon. Bashir Bello representing Bungudu West, Hon. Amiru Keta representing Tsafe West, and Hon. Mukhtar Kaura representing Kaura Namoda North.
They insisted that decisions taken by the governor-backed faction lacked quorum and were therefore null and void.
The defectors declared the PDP “dead in Zamfara,” arguing that the party had strayed from its founding vision and was now consumed by internal crises.
They accused Governor Dauda Lawal of neglecting insecurity in the state while focusing on political battles with Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, and warned that his ambition to perpetuate himself in office beyond 2027 was destabilising governance.
Factional Speaker Gummi described the defection as a bold and wise decision that would promote political stability and prosperity. He said their collective move marked a new era in Zamfara politics, where members of the ruling party defected to the opposition, breaking tradition.
The lawmakers urged the National Assembly to investigate the crisis and restore order in Zamfara’s legislature, stressing that their action was in line with Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They emphasised that their decision to join the APC was driven by justice, inclusiveness, and the desire to safeguard their political careers and the welfare of their constituents.
