JUST IN; Six Lawmakers dump PDP defect to APC

JUST IN; Six Lawmakers dump PDP defect to APC

No fewer than six lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State have dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the leadership of the House of Assembly of undermining constitutional order and sidelining dissenting voices.

The legislators made the announcement on Wednesday evening in Gusau, the state capital, after a meeting where they reviewed what they described as the steady decline in the independence and effectiveness of the legislative arm.

According to them, the Assembly has lost its autonomy and now operates as an appendage of the executive, alleging that it merely endorses decisions of Governor Dauda Lawal rather than carrying out its oversight responsibilities.

In separate letters addressed to the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, the lawmakers said their defection was prompted by what they termed their unlawful suspension for nearly two years, a situation they argued had denied their constituents proper representation.

They maintained that the prolonged suspension forced them to set up a parallel House of Assembly, through which they have continued to challenge what they called illegal actions by both the government-backed faction of the legislature and the state executive.

Those who crossed over to the APC are Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West) and Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).

The group further alleged that, during their absence, the faction aligned with the governor has been passing bills and taking key decisions without meeting the constitutional requirement for quorum, insisting that such actions render the outcomes invalid.

They called on the National Assembly to step in, probe the situation in Zamfara State and take measures to restore legality and proper legislative conduct in the House.

Explaining their decision to align with the APC, the lawmakers said they were drawn by what they described as the party’s commitment to justice, fairness, unity and inclusiveness, adding that the move would give them the platform to re-engage in legislative duties and better serve the development needs of the state and their constituencies.

Speaking on the defection, the factional Speaker, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, said:
“Following the receipt of defection letters from the six (6) honourable members, including myself, I wish to formally congratulate all of us for joining the Progressives in the country, the All Progressives Congress (APC). May this decision mark the beginning of success and development for our dear state and Nigeria at large.”
He added:
“I consider this bold decision a wise one that will promote political stability and steer our dear nation towards greater prosperity.”
The lawmakers further stated:
“However, our collective decision to leave our former party, the PDP, and join the APC marks a new political era in Zamfara State, where members of the ruling party defect to the opposition, thereby changing the narrative.”