Six suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged constitutional violations and deepening internal crisis within the state legislature.
The lawmakers announced their defection in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, after a meeting where they reviewed what they described as the mismanagement of the legislative arm of government.
They accused the Zamfara House of Assembly of abandoning its constitutional responsibilities, alleging that it has been reduced to an appendage of the executive arm under Governor Dauda Lawal.
According to the lawmakers, their suspension, which they described as “illegally” imposed nearly two years ago, has effectively deprived their constituents of representation in the Assembly.
They explained that the prolonged suspension compelled them to establish a parallel faction of the House as a means of challenging what they termed legislative and executive irregularities.
Those who announced their defection include the factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu Gummi, representing Gummi I; Nasiru Abdullahi Maru of Maru North; Bashir Abubakar of Bukkuyum North; Bashir Bello of Bungudu West; Amiru Ahmad Keta of Tsafe West; and Muktar Nasir Kaura of Kaura North.
The lawmakers further alleged that the remaining members of the Assembly have continued to pass laws and make key decisions without meeting the constitutionally required quorum, insisting that such actions render those laws invalid.
They called on the National Assembly to step in and investigate the situation, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law and restore constitutional order in the Zamfara State legislature.
Explaining their decision to join the APC, the defectors said they were drawn by what they described as the party’s values of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and political harmony, which they believe would allow them to serve their constituencies more effectively and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
After reading their defection letters, Gummi congratulated the lawmakers on their move to the APC, describing it as a decision he believes would foster political stability and promote development in Zamfara State and the country at large.
The lawmakers also pointed to the worsening insecurity in Zamfara State and what they described as internal distractions within the PDP as additional reasons for their exit from the party. They cited the provisions of Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for their defection.
What you should know
The defection of the six Zamfara lawmakers highlights a prolonged power struggle within the state House of Assembly that has raised serious constitutional questions.
Their suspension and the emergence of a parallel legislative faction reflect deeper tensions between the legislature and the executive in Zamfara State. By invoking Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution, the lawmakers argue that internal division within their former party justifies their move.
The situation underscores ongoing concerns about legislative independence, representation, and governance in a state already grappling with insecurity.
