President Tinubu told to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

A group of Nigerian lawyers has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to compel President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State due to worsening security and political instability, PM has learnt.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1363/25, was filed on July 8, 2025, by Reuben Boma, Okoro Nwadiegwu, and the Incorporated Trustees of One Love Foundation, through their counsel, Goddy Uche, SAN.

The President, Attorney-General of the Federation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Attorney-General of Zamfara State, and Governor of Zamfara State were all named as defendants.

In their court filing, the plaintiffs argue that Zamfara is facing a complete breakdown of law and order, citing ongoing security threats, communal violence, and a deepening political crisis in the state’s House of Assembly.

They maintain that these conditions justify the declaration of a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The plaintiffs are also asking the court to order the National Assembly to assume legislative responsibilities in Zamfara.

They point to the Assembly’s inability to function properly following the suspension of 10 lawmakers, which they say has made it impossible to form a quorum.

Since April 2025, the Zamfara State House of Assembly has been plagued by leadership disputes, with rival factions conducting parallel sittings.

The plaintiffs contend this has rendered the legislature ineffective and has contributed to the overall instability in the state.

Among the constitutional questions raised in the suit is whether the circumstances in Zamfara are sufficient to warrant a presidential declaration of a state of emergency, with or without the removal of the state’s governor and deputy.

As of the time of filing this report, no date has been set for the hearing.

Zamfara has continued to grapple with severe security challenges, including armed banditry and communal clashes, prompting concerns from civil society and legal professionals about the state government’s ability to maintain order.