Seven members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly who resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week have confirmed they are in active negotiations with three political parties: the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The lawmakers, who are weighing their options ahead of a formal announcement, revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also reached out to them, though no formal meeting has taken place yet.
Background of the Resignations
Legit.ng reports that eight Zamfara lawmakers resigned from the APC, citing the party's failure to address worsening insecurity in the state. The lawmakers also stated that they went 32 months without receiving their salaries, allowances, and other entitlements. Their departure followed a prior suspension by the Zamfara State House of Assembly over allegations including misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, and holding an illegal sitting.
Speaking to Daily Trust by telephone, Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, one of the seven lawmakers, said the group had already held substantive discussions with all three parties. He added that the PDP had also reached out, though the legislators had not yet sat down with PDP representatives.
Lawmakers Urge Caution Before Final Choice
Bakura stressed that the group was not in a rush to commit, citing the need to carefully assess the political landscape in Zamfara State before making a decision. "In a situation like this, we must exercise caution to avoid making the wrong choice. We need to analyse the situation thoroughly and align with the political direction of the people of Zamfara State before taking a final stance," he said.
He added that constituents could be consulted directly if necessary, describing the entire process as being driven by the interests of the people they represent. "Everything we are doing is in the interest of our constituents. If necessary, we will consult them directly to decide which party to join, as we are here to serve them," Bakura noted.
Timeline and List of Lawmakers
Bakura put a timeline on the decision, saying it would be announced within the coming week and that the group's doors remained open to any other party that wished to engage with them. The seven legislators who left the APC are Bashir Aliyu Gummi, Nasiru Abdullahi, Bashir Masama, Faruku Dosara, Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, Shamsudeen Hassan, and Bashiru Sarkin-Zango.
Their resignation from the APC was announced last week without revealing where they intended to go next. The lawmakers have not yet met with PDP representatives, despite the party's outreach, but they may do so later, according to Bakura.
Broader Context of Defections
Legit.ng earlier reported that hundreds of APC and Accord members in Oluyole LGA joined the APM, while over 1,000 APM members in the same area crossed to the APC. More than 3,000 PDP and Accord members in Ibadan North-East LGA defected to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. A former personal assistant to ex-Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu was among those who left the APC for the APM in Oluyole.
The Zamfara lawmakers' final decision, expected within a week, will determine their next political affiliation, with the group keeping its options open to any party willing to engage.
