Five 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 insecurity, internal crises within their former party and alleged constitutional breaches in the Assembly.
The lawmakers are Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Bashir Abubakar (Bukkuyum North), Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West) and Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).
Their defection letters were read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki Gummi, during plenary on Tuesday.
In a strong indictment of the current leadership of the Assembly, the lawmakers accused the remaining members of passing laws and taking critical decisions without meeting the constitutionally required quorum.
They argued that any law or resolution passed under such circumstances is null and void, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in Zamfara State.
“The House has continued to function in clear violation of constitutional provisions on quorum, thereby rendering its legislative actions illegal,” the lawmakers alleged in their joint position.
They called on the National Assembly to urgently intervene and investigate the activities of the Zamfara State House of Assembly to restore constitutional order and safeguard democratic governance in the state.
Explaining their decision to dump the PDP, the lawmakers cited persistent insecurity across Zamfara communities, which they said had been worsened by political distractions and internal divisions within the party.
They further stated that their move to the APC was guided by the party’s principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness and political harmony, which they believe would provide a better platform to serve their constituents and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
The lawmakers anchored their defection on Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits legislators to defect where there is a division within their political party.
Reacting, Speaker Gummi congratulated the defectors on their move to the APC, describing it as a significant political development that could foster stability and accelerate development in Zamfara State.
He expressed optimism that their defection would strengthen legislative cooperation and promote peace, not only in the state but across the country.
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