Six serving members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged constitutional breaches, internal crisis, and poor management of the legislative arm as reasons for their decision.
The lawmakers announced their defection on Wednesday night, December 24, 2025, in Gusau, the state capital, following extensive deliberations.
Speaking jointly, the legislators accused the Zamfara State House of Assembly of operating in disregard of constitutional provisions, alleging that, the legislature had been reduced to an extension of the executive arm of government and a rubber stamp for Governor Dauda Lawal.
They further claimed that, they had been illegally suspended for nearly two years, a development they said had denied their constituents representation.
According to them, the situation compelled them to form a parallel House of Assembly to challenge what they described as unconstitutional actions by both the executive and the faction of the legislature recognised by the state government.
The defecting lawmakers include the factional Speaker of the House, Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West), and Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).
They alleged that, in their absence, the remaining faction of the House had been passing resolutions and laws without the constitutionally required quorum, insisting that such actions were null and void.
The lawmakers called on the National Assembly to intervene by investigating the situation and taking steps to ensure the restoration of order and adherence to the rule of law in the Zamfara State legislature.
They explained their decision to join the APC, were attracted by the party’s principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and political harmony, which they believe would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the welfare of their constituents.
After formally receiving the defection letters, the factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu Gummi, congratulated the lawmakers for joining the APC.
“Following the receipt of the defection letters from the six honourable members, including myself, I wish to congratulate us for joining the All Progressives Congress. May this decision usher in progress, success, and development for Zamfara State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Gummi described the defection as a bold and wise step capable of promoting political stability and prosperity.
They further accused Governor Dauda Lawal of failing to adequately address insecurity in the state, alleging that his attention was focused on political rivalries rather than governance.
The lawmakers said their defection was in line with the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which they said guaranteed their right to freedom of association.
