BREAKING: Six PDP lawmakers join APC in Zamfara

At least six members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Zamfara State House of Assembly have announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged disregard for and disrespect of the Nigerian Constitution within the state legislature.

The six lawmakers jointly announced their decision on Wednesday evening in Gusau, the state capital, after deliberating on what they described as poor management of the legislative arm, which they said has compromised its constitutional duties.

They alleged that the legislature has been reduced to an extension of the governor’s office and is acting as a rubber stamp for Governor Dauda Lawal.

The members, who submitted separate defection letters to the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, said they had been illegally suspended for about two years, a development they claimed had silenced their constituents. As a result, they said they formed a parallel House of Assembly and have continued to challenge what they described as the illegalities of both the government-recognised faction and the executive.

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

They claimed that in their absence, the current faction of the legislature working with the governor has been taking decisions and passing laws without forming the required quorum, rendering such laws null and void.

The lawmakers urged the National Assembly to investigate their case and take appropriate steps to ensure that order and the rule of law are fully upheld in the state legislature.

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Explaining their decision to join the opposition APC, the lawmakers cited justice, fairness, harmony and inclusiveness as the factors that attracted them, saying the move would enable them to return and work for the growth and development of the state and the welfare of their constituents.

Speaking on the defection, the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, said:
“Following the receipt of defection letters from the six (6) honourable members, including myself, I wish to formally congratulate all of us for joining the Progressives in the country, the All Progressives Congress (APC). May this decision mark the beginning of success and development for our dear state and Nigeria at large.”

He added:
“I consider this bold decision a wise one that will promote political stability and steer our dear nation towards greater prosperity.”

The lawmakers further stated:
“However, our collective decision to leave our former party, the PDP, and join the APC marks a new political era in Zamfara State, where members of the ruling party defect to the opposition, thereby changing the narrative.”