Six serving members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged constitutional violations, prolonged suspensions, and the erosion of legislative independence.
The lawmakers announced their defection on 24 December 2025 in Gusau, the state capital, following extensive deliberations on the state of the legislature.
They accused the Assembly of being poorly managed and reduced to a “rubber stamp” for Governor Dauda Lawal, undermining democratic principles and silencing constituents’ voices.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime: PDP beyond repair, ADC must offer fresh ideas to challenge APC — Baba-Ahmed
The defectors, who include factional Speaker Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi (Maru North), Barr. Bashir Abubakar (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Hon. Amiru Ahmad (Tsafe West), and Hon. Muktar Nasir (Kaura North), claimed they had been illegally suspended for nearly two years, disenfranchising their electors.
In response, they formed a parallel Assembly to challenge perceived irregularities by the executive and the government-recognised faction.
They further alleged that the aligned faction has passed laws and made decisions without the required quorum, rendering such actions null and void.
The lawmakers urged the National Assembly to investigate and restore constitutional order.
Joining the APC, they praised the party’s commitment to justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and harmony, believing it would better enable them to serve Zamfara’s development and constituents’ welfare.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime:Nasarawa APC adopts consensus for upcoming congresses
Factional Speaker Gummi described the move as “bold and wise”, marking a “new political era” where ruling party members defect to the opposition, reversing typical trends.
The defectors also criticised the PDP for internal crises at all levels, deviation from founding ideals, and Governor Lawal’s alleged neglect of insecurity in favour of political battles ahead of 2027.
They invoked Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution to justify their defection amid party divisions.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news.
