A member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko, who represents the constituency of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His defection was officially announced on Thursday by the Speaker during Governor Dauda Lawal’s presentation of the proposed 2026 budget.
Gossip News Now reports that Basko, the lawmaker representing Mafara North, is the latest close ally of Senator Abdulaziz Yari to leave the APC amid escalating internal disputes. Yari, once a dominant force in the state, has experienced declining influence since losing the Senate Presidency race to Senator Godswill Akpabio two years ago.
Basko’s exit further exposes the widening cracks within the Zamfara APC and deals another blow to Yari’s control of the party’s structure. He attributed his decision to “deepening crises and poor leadership” affecting the party at both the local government and state levels.
In a resignation letter dated December 3, 2025, and addressed to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Basko said persistent divisions had made meaningful participation in the party impossible.
The letter reads:
“After careful reflection on the activities, crises, divisions, sidelining, and poor leadership of the party from the local government to the state levels, I have decided to step away from active participation in the party.”
He added that his decision was motivated by the need to pursue “commitments that align more closely” with his political values and the developmental priorities of his constituents.
Although describing the move as difficult, the lawmaker insisted it was necessary for the progress and welfare of the people he represents. He also expressed appreciation for his experiences and opportunities during his time in the APC.
Basko requested that the ward leadership treat the letter as his formal notice of exit, noting that copies had been sent to both the Zamfara State APC chairman and the Talata Mafara Local Government chairman.
See a copy of the resignation letter below.
