Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In separate letters to the Speaker of the House, the lawmakers—Bashar Aliyu Gummi, Nasiru Abdullahi Maru, Bashir Abubakar Masama, Bashir Bello, Amiru Ahmad Keta, and Muktar Nasir Kaura—cited deep internal crises within the PDP and poor governance in the state as the reasons for their departure.
The defectors explained that persistent factional leadership and internal disputes within the PDP forced their decision to leave. They also accused the PDP‑led state government, headed by Governor Dauda Lawal, of failing to address insecurity and to fulfill campaign promises. According to the lawmakers, their defection complies with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits a lawmaker to switch parties when there is a division within their political party. This constitutional provision has been invoked in similar cases where internal party conflicts prompted defections.
The loss of six legislators is a significant blow to the PDP in Zamfara, a party already grappling with internal conflicts and recent challenges. Conversely, the move is expected to strengthen the APC’s prospects in the state ahead of upcoming elections. The issues of poor governance and insecurity highlighted by the defectors remain major concerns for Zamfara’s residents, who continue to suffer from armed banditry and other security challenges. Although Governor Lawal’s administration has pledged to address these problems, the accusations suggest that more decisive action is needed to restore public confidence.
As Zamfara’s political landscape evolves, the defection of these six lawmakers is likely to have far‑reaching implications for the state’s future politics.
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