Zamfara Assembly Crisis: Six PDP Lawmakers Dump Party for APC

….Accuse Legislature of Constitutional Breaches

Six serving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged violations of the constitution and what they described as the erosion of legislative independence as key reasons for their decision.

The lawmakers announced their defection during a sitting in Gusau, the state capital, after what they said were extensive deliberations on the state of affairs in the legislature. They accused the House of poor management and claimed it had been reduced to an appendage of the executive arm, operating largely as a rubber stamp for Governor Dauda Lawal.

According to the lawmakers, their decision was further informed by what they described as their illegal suspension for nearly two years, a development they said effectively disenfranchised their constituents. They stated that, in response, they had formed a parallel House of Assembly to challenge what they termed the illegitimate actions of both the executive and the government-recognised faction of the legislature.

Those who defected include the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi; Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Gummi I); Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Maru North); Hon. Bashir Bello (Bukkuyum North); Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta (Bungudu West); Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North); and the member representing Tsafe West.

They alleged that in their absence, the remaining faction of the House, working in concert with the executive, has been passing bills and taking critical decisions without the constitutionally required quorum, insisting that such actions are null and void. The lawmakers called on the National Assembly to intervene by investigating the situation and taking steps to restore order and adherence to the rule of law in the Zamfara legislature.

Explaining their choice of the APC, the defectors said the opposition party offered a platform rooted in justice, inclusiveness, fairness and unity, which they believe will enable them to contribute meaningfully to governance, development and the welfare of their constituents.

Speaking after reading the defection letters, the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, congratulated the lawmakers on what he described as a bold and strategic move. He said the decision signalled the beginning of a new political phase in Zamfara State, noting that it was unusual for members of a ruling party to defect to the opposition.

Gummi further declared that the PDP had been weakened by internal crises and poor leadership, arguing that the party had drifted from its founding principles and manifesto. He added that the lawmakers could not afford to sacrifice their political integrity by remaining in what he termed a failing political structure.

The defectors also raised concerns over the state’s security situation, accusing Governor Lawal of failing to prioritise insecurity while being preoccupied with political battles, particularly with the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle. They said their decision to leave the PDP was taken in line with their constitutional rights as provided under Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).