Zamfara Lawmaker Defects from PDP to APC After Securing Committee Chairmanship

Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made during a plenary session on Wednesday, where Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read Gumi’s defection letter.

Rep. Gumi cited ongoing internal and external crises within the PDP, which have led to factionalism in his constituency, as the primary reason for his departure. He noted that the division has resulted in two chairmen claiming leadership of the party in the area.

His defection was met with enthusiastic applause from APC members present at the session, indicating a warm welcome into the ruling party.

However, the defection has sparked controversy, with Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda opposing the move. Chinda referenced constitutional provisions stating that a lawmaker who defects from their party risks losing their seat. He urged the Speaker to declare Gumi’s seat vacant in accordance with the law.

This political maneuver comes just weeks after Gumi was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on the newly established North West Development Commission, a position that may have influenced his decision to switch parties.