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), blaming alleged constitutional violations and a deepening internal crisis within the state legislature.
The lawmakers announced their defection in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, after a meeting where they reviewed what they described as the mismanagement of the legislative arm of government.
They alleged that the Zamfara House of Assembly has abandoned its constitutional responsibilities, claiming it now operates as an appendage of the executive arm under Governor Dauda Lawal.
The lawmakers, who said they were suspended “illegally” almost two years ago, argued that the action deprived their constituents of proper representation.
They explained that the situation prompted them to form a parallel faction of the House in order to challenge what they termed legislative and executive irregularities.
Those who defected are 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).
According to the lawmakers, the remaining members of the Assembly have been enacting laws and taking decisions without the constitutionally required quorum, a development they said renders such actions null and void.
They urged the National Assembly to step in and probe the situation to ensure strict compliance with the rule of law in the Zamfara State legislature.
Explaining their decision to join the APC, the lawmakers said they were drawn by what they described as the party’s ideals of justice, fairness, inclusiveness and political harmony, which they believe would enable them to better represent their constituents and contribute to the state’s development.
Speaking after reading their defection letters, Gummi congratulated the lawmakers on their decision to join the APC, describing the move as one that would enhance political stability and development in Zamfara State and the country at large.
The lawmakers also pointed to insecurity in Zamfara State and what they described as persistent distractions within the PDP as additional reasons for leaving the party. They cited Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal justification for their defection.