Why we dumped PDP for APC – Six Zamfara lawmakers

By Ayox Ojo

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has lost six lawmakers elected on its platform into the Zamfara State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The six lawmakers who have been on suspension by the House leadership for nearly two years announced their defection in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

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

They announced their defective after a meeting during which they deliberated on alleged poor management of the legislative arm of government.

They alleged that the Zamfara House of Assembly has turned itself into an extension of the executive arm under Governor Dauda Lawal and is no longer able to perform its constitutional role.

The lawmakers, added that their suspension for nearly two years ago, had denied their constituents representation.

The six lawmakers also said that they had formed a parallel faction of the House of Assembly to challenge alleged legislative and executive irregularities

They also alleged that the remaining members of Zamfara Assembly have been passing laws and taking decisions without the constitutionally required quorum.

They argued that the lack of quorum had rendered such actions and laws null and void.

The lawmakers therefore urged the National Assembly to investigate their claim to ensure adherence to the rule of law in the Zamfara House of Assembly.

The House of Assembly members said they were attracted to APC by the party’s principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and political harmony.

They added that the principles would enable them to serve their constituents better and contribute to the development of Zamfara.

In their defection letters dated December 24, 2025, the lawmakers also listed lingering crises within the PDP, factional leadership and instability in the party as reasons for their defection.

According to them, the decision to dumps the PDP was taken after careful consideration and in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

They also alleged that Governor Dauda Lawal has been negligent in addressing security challenges in the state and has failed toss fulfil key campaign promises.

“I, therefore, found it expedient to make this decision voluntarily”, the lawmakers stated in their respective letters, pledging allegiance to the APC.

The Speaker acknowledged receipt of the defection letters during plenary on Tuesday.

He added that the development would be formally recorded in the proceedings of the House.