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, internal crisis and what they described as poor management of the state legislature.
The lawmakers announced their defection on Thursday in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, after a meeting where they deliberated on the political and constitutional challenges facing the House of Assembly.
Addressing journalists, the lawmakers accused the leadership of the Zamfara Assembly of abandoning its constitutional responsibilities, alleging that the legislature has become an extension of the executive arm of government under Governor Dauda Lawal.
They claimed that their suspension, which they described as illegal, occurred nearly two years ago and has effectively denied their constituents proper representation in the state legislature.
According to the lawmakers, their prolonged suspension forced them to establish a parallel faction of the House as a means of challenging what they termed legislative and executive irregularities in the state.
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).
The lawmakers further alleged that the remaining members of the Assembly have continued to pass bills and take legislative decisions without meeting the constitutionally required quorum. They argued that any laws or resolutions reached under such circumstances are invalid and unconstitutional.
They called on the National Assembly to urgently intervene in the Zamfara Assembly crisis, investigate the alleged violations and ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions and the rule of law.
Explaining their decision to defect to the APC, the lawmakers said they were drawn to what they described as the party’s principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness and political harmony. They expressed confidence that joining the APC would give them a better platform to serve their constituents and contribute meaningfully to the development of Zamfara State.
They also cited worsening insecurity in the state and what they described as internal distractions and unresolved crises within the PDP as additional reasons for leaving the party.
The lawmakers said their defection was in line with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits elected officials to defect where there is a division or factionalisation within their political party.
Speaking after receiving and reading their defection letters, Bashar Aliyu Gummi congratulated the lawmakers on their move to the APC, describing the defection as a step he believes would promote political stability and foster development in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large.
The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing political tensions within the Zamfara State House of Assembly, which has been grappling with internal disputes and leadership challenges.
