Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have announced ...
Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged constitutional violations and poor legislative governance in the state.
The lawmakers made the announcement late on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, during a sitting in Gusau, the state capital. They accused the legislature of subordinating itself to the executive arm and acting as a “rubber stamp” to Governor Dauda Lawal.
Those who defected include the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi 1); Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North); Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North); Hon. Bashir Bello (Bungudu West); Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West); and Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).
The lawmakers alleged that they had been “illegally suspended” for nearly two years, preventing them from representing their constituents. They said this prompted them to form a parallel House of Assembly while challenging what they described as unconstitutional actions by the government-recognised faction and the executive arm.
They also claimed that legislative decisions taken without their participation fell short of the quorum required by law and should therefore be declared invalid.
The defectors called on the National Assembly to investigate the crisis in the state legislature and ensure respect for the rule of law.
Explaining their decision to join the APC, the lawmakers said they were attracted by what they described as the party’s commitment to justice, fairness, inclusiveness and development.
After reading the defection letters, factional Speaker Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi congratulated the lawmakers, describing their decision as “bold” and expressing hope that it would contribute to political stability and development in Zamfara State and the country.
The lawmakers also criticised the PDP’s leadership at both state and national levels, alleging internal crises and deviation from the party’s founding principles. They further accused Governor Dauda Lawal of not giving sufficient attention to security challenges in the state—claims which the governor has yet to publicly respond to at the time of filing this report.
They stated that their action was taken in line with Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows lawmakers to leave their party under certain conditions.
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