Six serving members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), giving reason for their decision as driven by what they described as persistent constitutional violations, internal repression, and the erosion of legislative independence in the State.
The lawmakers announced their defection late on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Gusau, the state capital, after a joint meeting.
The lawmakers alleged that the House of Assembly has been reduced to “an extension of the Governor’s office,” accusing it of routinely endorsing Executive decisions without proper debates or constitutional process under Governor Dauda Lawal.
In separate letters submitted to the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, the lawmakers said they had been “illegally suspended” for nearly two years – an action they claimed effectively silenced both them and their constituents.
According to them, the suspensions forced the affected members to form a parallel legislative faction to challenge what they called “ongoing illegalities” by the State government recognized faction of the Assembly and the Executive arm.
The 6 lawmakers further claimed that in their absence, the current faction of the Assembly has been passing laws and taking major decisions without the constitutionally required quorum, rendering such actions “null and void.”
They called for intervention, and urged the National Assembly to investigate the situation in Zamfara State House of Assembly, and take steps to restore order, due process, and respect for the rule of law in the State legislature.
Explaining their move to the APC, the lawmakers said they were drawn by what they described as the party’s commitment to justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and political harmony.
According to them, the switch would allow them to better serve their constituencies and contribute to the state’s development.
Editor: Ken Eseni
