In a significant political shift, two members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The move, which underscores deepening internal crises within the ruling party at the state level, was formalized on the floor of the House on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Resignation Letters Read on Assembly Floor
The Speaker of the House, Bilyaminu Moriki, read the resignation letters from the two legislators. The lawmakers are Shamsudeen Hassan Basko, representing Talata-Mafara North Constituency, and Nura Dahiru, representing Birnin-Magaji Constituency. Both cited persistent internal wrangling and ineffective leadership as the core reasons for their departure from the APC.
In his resignation letter, Hassan Basko, whose constituency is notably the hometown of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, provided a detailed explanation. He pointed to continuous internal divisions and the sidelining of members at both the state and local government levels as making his continued membership untenable.
"After careful reflection of activities, crisis, divisions, being sidelined and the poor leadership of the party from local government and the state levels, I have decided to step away from active participation in the party," Hassan stated. He added that the decision was necessary to pursue commitments that align with his political convictions and for the betterment of his constituents.
Lawmakers Seek Better Representation for Constituents
The second defector, Nura Dahiru, echoed similar grievances. He emphasized that leaving the APC would enable him to champion causes that more accurately reflect the aspirations of his people. Following their resignations, both lawmakers formally declared their defection to the PDP and requested that their letters be treated as official notice of their exit from the APC.
This development is a strategic boost for the PDP in Zamfara State. The party has been consolidating its power since its candidate, Governor Dauda Lawal, won the 2023 gubernatorial election. The defection of sitting assembly members weakens the APC's legislative influence and strengthens the PDP's hand in the state assembly.
Broader Context of PDP's Internal Dynamics
While the PDP gains strength in Zamfara, the party nationally continues to grapple with its own internal crises. Governor Dauda Lawal has previously identified ego among members as a root cause of the party's problems, suggesting the situation extends beyond the role of former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Furthermore, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, recently blamed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for sabotaging reconciliation efforts within the PDP. Despite these challenges, the party's reconciliation committee chairman, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed optimism about resolving the leadership disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection in Zamfara is therefore a microcosm of the volatile and fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where internal party disputes frequently lead to realignments that reshape the local and state political landscape.
