Zamfara Assembly Shaken as Six PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC

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The balance of power within the Zamfara State House of Assembly has experienced a significant change after several lawmakers announced their decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and align with the All Progressives Congress.

The move marks another moment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, where party loyalty often shifts amid internal disagreements and strategic alliances.

Six Legislators Announce New Political Alignment

A group of six lawmakers elected under the PDP banner formally declared their decision to switch parties.

The legislators involved in the defection include representatives from several constituencies across the state.

Among those who joined the APC are:

Muktar Nasir Kaura – representing Kaura North
Nasiru Abdullahi Maru – representing Maru North
Amiru Ahmad Keta – representing Tsafe West
Bashar Aliyu Gummi – representing Gummi I
Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama – representing Bukkuyum North
Bashir Bello – representing Bungudu West

Their departure has altered the numerical balance within the assembly, strengthening the APC’s presence in legislative proceedings.

Impact on Legislative Dynamics

Political observers say the defections are likely to reshape decision-making in the Zamfara assembly.

With the ruling party gaining additional seats, the APC may now exercise greater influence over legislative debates, policy discussions, and voting outcomes.

Such shifts often affect committee leadership, bill passage, and the general direction of legislative priorities.

Internal Struggles Within the PDP

Analysts link the wave of defections to ongoing internal challenges within the opposition party in the state.

Persistent disagreements and factional tensions have reportedly weakened the party’s cohesion, making it difficult to maintain unity among its members.

These disputes have created opportunities for rival parties to attract dissatisfied lawmakers.

Similar Developments in Rivers State

Political realignments are not limited to Zamfara alone.

In Rivers State, the PDP has also experienced a series of defections in the federal legislature.

Recent developments indicate that several lawmakers representing the state in the House of Representatives have moved to the APC platform.

Reduction in PDP Representation

Among those who reportedly switched allegiance are Robinson Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, Blessing Amadi, and Felix Nwaeke.

Their exit significantly reduced the number of PDP representatives from Rivers State in the national assembly.

As it stands, only two lawmakers from the state—Kingsley Chinda and Kelechi Nwogu—remain within the PDP caucus.

Reasons Cited for the Defections

During parliamentary proceedings, the announcement of the lawmakers’ departure was attributed to internal disputes within the party.

According to statements made during plenary, prolonged disagreements and unresolved factional issues contributed to the decision to leave.

Some of the defecting legislators also explained that the instability within their former party had affected their political ambitions.

Alignment With the “Renewed Hope Agenda”

The lawmakers who moved to the APC said their decision was partly influenced by a desire to align with the policies associated with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They referenced the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as one of the reasons behind their political realignment.

For them, the new platform offers an opportunity to pursue their legislative goals under a different political framework.

Growing Political Realignments

The wave of defections reflects a broader trend within Nigeria’s political system, where shifting alliances frequently reshape party influence.

In Rivers State alone, earlier defections involving Boniface Emerengwa, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, and Boma Goodhead had already weakened the PDP’s position.

The additional departures have further reduced the party’s representation from the state.

Commentary and Analysis

Political defections are a recurring feature of Nigeria’s democratic landscape, often driven by internal party disagreements, strategic calculations, or changing political alliances.

While such movements can strengthen the receiving party in the short term, they also highlight structural challenges within political organisations struggling to maintain unity.

For the PDP, the recent developments in Zamfara and Rivers States raise questions about its ability to maintain cohesion ahead of future elections.

At the same time, the APC’s growing legislative numbers demonstrate how political realignments can reshape power dynamics within both state assemblies and the national parliament.

Observers note that continued defections could significantly influence political competition and governance in the years leading up to the next election cycle.