Gusau: The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the defection of six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the State House of Assembly, describing the move as a “welcome development” and a boost to the party’s strength in the state.
The State APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday, further described the lawmakers’ decision as a good omen to the APC.
The six serving members of the Zamfara House of Assembly on the platform of the PDP had announced their defection to the APC in separate letters presented to the party’s leadership.
The six defecting lawmakers were members of the parallel state house of assembly who were suspended by the house last year over alleged violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the state assembly’s laws.
The six lawmakers jointly announced their decision while sitting in Gusau, the state capital, after deliberating on the alleged poor management of the legislative arm.
They claimed that it had since compromised its duties by serving as an extension of the Governor’s Office and a rubber stamp to Gov. Dauda Lawal.
The defecting lawmakers included the factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu, Gummi 1, Nasiru Abdullahi, Maru North, and Bashir Abubakar, Bukkuyum North.
Others included Bashir Bello, Bungudu West, Amiru Ahmad-Keta, Tsafe West) and Muktar Nasir-Kaura, Kaura North.
They urged the National Assembly to investigate their case and take the necessary steps to ensure that order and the rule of law are fully adhered to in the state legislature.
In their decision to join the opposition APC in the state, the lawmakers cited justice, fair play, harmony, and inclusiveness as the attractions that drew them to the APC.
According to them, this is to enable them to return to the APC and work for the growth and development of the state, as well as the welfare of their constituents.
Idris said, “The state APC leadership wishes to formally congratulate every one of us for joining the progressives in the country, that is the APC.
“May the decision be the beginning of success and development of our dear state and Nigeria at large.
“The party considers the lawmakers’ decision as a wise one that will promote the political stability of our dear nation into a more prosperous one.
“The lawmakers’ collective decision to dump the PDP and join the APC marks a new political era in Zamfara, where members of the ruling party defect to the opposition, which has changed the tradition.”