A total of six members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Zamfara State House of Assembly have declared their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging disregard for and disrespect of the Nigerian Constitution within the state legislature.
The six lawmakers made the announcement together on Wednesday evening in Gusau, the state capital, following deliberations on what they described as poor leadership of the legislative arm, which they said has undermined its constitutional responsibilities.
They alleged that the legislature has been turned into an extension of the governor’s office and is functioning as a rubber stamp for Governor Dauda Lawal.
The lawmakers, who submitted separate defection letters to the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, stated that they had been unlawfully suspended for nearly two years, a situation they claimed had deprived their constituents of representation. As a result, they said they established a parallel House of Assembly and have continued to challenge what they described as illegal actions by both the government-recognised faction and the executive.
Those who defected include the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I); 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).
They claimed that during their absence, the existing faction of the legislature working alongside the governor has been making decisions and passing laws without forming the required quorum, thereby rendering such laws null and void.
The lawmakers called on the National Assembly to investigate their situation and take the necessary steps to restore order and uphold the rule of law within the state legislature.
While explaining their decision to join the opposition APC, the lawmakers cited justice, fairness, harmony, and inclusiveness as the motivating factors, stating that the move would enable them to return and contribute to the growth and development of the state and to the welfare of their constituents.
Speaking on the defection, the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, said, “Following the receipt of defection letters from the six (6) honourable members, including myself, I wish to formally congratulate all of us for joining the Progressives in the country, the All Progressives Congress (APC). May this decision mark the beginning of success and development for our dear state and Nigeria at large.”
He added, “I consider this bold decision a wise one that will promote political stability and steer our dear nation towards greater prosperity.”
The lawmakers further stated, “However, our collective decision to leave our former party, the PDP, and join the APC marks a new political era in Zamfara State, where members of the ruling party defect to the opposition, thereby changing the narrative.”
