Six suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Six suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged constitutional violations and an internal crisis within the state legislature.
The lawmakers announced their defection on Thursday in Gusau, following a meeting where they reviewed what they described as the poor management of the legislative arm of government in the state.
They alleged that the Zamfara State House of Assembly has compromised its constitutional role, claiming it now operates as an extension of the executive arm under Governor Dauda Lawal.
According to the lawmakers, their suspension nearly two years ago was illegal and has denied their constituencies proper representation. They said the situation compelled them to form a parallel faction of the Assembly to challenge what they described as legislative and executive irregularities.
Those who defected include the factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I); Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North); Bashir Abubakar (Bukkuyum North); Bashir Bello (Bungudu West); Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West); and Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).
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The lawmakers further alleged that the remaining members of the Assembly have been passing laws and taking decisions without the constitutionally required quorum, arguing that such actions render those laws null and void.
They called on the National Assembly to intervene and investigate the situation to safeguard the rule of law in the Zamfara State legislature.
Explaining their move to the APC, the lawmakers said they were drawn by the party’s principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and political harmony, which they believe would enable them to better serve their constituents.
They also cited worsening insecurity in the state and internal distractions within the PDP as additional reasons for their defection, referencing Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for their action.
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