Nine members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing disagreements over insecurity, the welfare of residents and what they described as a lack of concern for the plight of the people.
The lawmakers also pointed to disagreements with Governor Dauda Lawal following their decision to raise concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state during legislative proceedings.
The defecting lawmakers are Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South; Muktar Nasir, popularly known as Jikan Shehu, representing Kaura Namoda North; Faruk Dosara Musa of Maradun I; and Basiru Bello of Bungudu West.
Others include Bashir Masama of Bukkuyum North; Ibrahim Tukur of Bakura; Nasiru Abdullahi of Maru North; Yusuf Anka of Anka; and Bashar Aliyu of Gummi I.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding their decision, Kagara said the lawmakers had become dissatisfied with the government’s handling of insecurity and what he described as its failure to demonstrate sufficient concern for the welfare of Zamfara residents.
According to him, their decision to raise the issue of insecurity on the floor of the Assembly triggered a disagreement with Governor Lawal, which eventually led to their suspension.
“Because of the lack of security and lack of concern for the people of Zamfara, we raised the issue in the House, which did not go down well with the governor. That was why we had issues with him, which led to our suspension and later defection to the APC,” Kagara said.
The lawmaker maintained that the lawmakers’ concerns were driven by the security challenges confronting their constituencies and the need for the government to prioritise the safety and welfare of residents.
Zamfara is among the states in north-western Nigeria that have been severely affected by banditry, kidnappings and attacks on communities. The persistent insecurity has disrupted economic activities, displaced residents and heightened calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
The lawmakers’ explanation suggests that the security situation was a major factor in the political disagreements that preceded their defection.
However, Kagara alleged that their move to the APC did not resolve their grievances. He claimed that some leaders within the party conspired against them and denied them a fair hearing.
The allegation raises further questions about the circumstances surrounding their political realignment and whether the lawmakers have found the support they expected after leaving their previous political platform.
Their defection also highlights the tensions that can emerge between elected representatives and state executives over the handling of pressing public concerns, particularly insecurity and the welfare of constituents.
While the lawmakers have outlined their reasons for leaving the APC, the allegations concerning their suspension, the governor’s response and the conduct of party leaders would require further clarification from the parties involved.
The development adds another dimension to the political situation in Zamfara, where insecurity remains a central public concern and continues to shape debates over governance and accountability.
As of the time of filing this report, no response from Governor Lawal or the party leaders accused by Kagara was included in the available account.
