Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, who were suspended nearly two years ago, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers, who were elected on the PDP platform, cited alleged constitutional breaches and internal crisis within the state legislature as reasons for their defection.
The lawmakers, including factional Speaker Bashar Aliyu Gummi, announced their decision in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, after a meeting to discuss the poor management of the legislative arm of government. They alleged that the Zamfara House of Assembly has compromised its constitutional role and now functions as an extension of the executive arm under Governor Dauda Lawal.
The suspended lawmakers claimed that their suspension had denied their constituents representation, prompting them to form a parallel faction of the House to challenge legislative and executive irregularities. They also alleged that the remaining members of the Assembly have been passing laws and taking decisions without the required quorum, rendering those laws null and void.
The defecting lawmakers, who also include Nasiru Abdullahi Maru, Bashir Abubakar, Bashir Bello, Amiru Ahmad Keta, and Muktar Nasir Kaura, called on the National Assembly to intervene and investigate the situation to ensure adherence to the rule of law in the Zamfara State legislature. They were attracted to the APC by its principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and political harmony, which they believe will enable them to better serve their constituents and contribute to the development of the state.
The lawmakers also cited insecurity in Zamfara State and distractions within the PDP as part of their reasons for leaving the party. They referenced provisions of Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for their defection. The move is seen as a significant development in the state’s political landscape, with potential implications for the balance of power in the legislature.
The defection of the six lawmakers is expected to have significant implications for the political stability and development of Zamfara State. The National Assembly’s response to their call for intervention will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for addressing similar issues in other state legislatures. With the APC gaining strength in the state, the PDP will need to regroup and reassess its strategy to remain competitive in the state’s political landscape.