THIS DAWN — The political landscape in Zamfara State shifted dramatically on Thursday as six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Defectors
The lawmakers who crossed over to the APC are:
- Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (representing Gummi 1 constituency)
- Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (representing Maru North)
- Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (representing Bukkuyum North)
- Hon. Bashir Bello (representing Bungudu West)
- Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta (representing Tsafe West)
- Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura (representing Kaura North)
Their defection was formally announced during a plenary session of the Assembly, with party officials confirming that the lawmakers had registered with the APC.
Political Context
The move comes amid a wave of defections across Nigeria in 2025, with several governors and legislators abandoning the PDP for the APC.
Analysts say the defections are driven by PDP’s internal leadership crises and the desire of politicians to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level.
In Zamfara, the defections are expected to further consolidate APC’s dominance in the state, where the party already enjoys significant grassroots support.
The PDP, which has struggled to maintain cohesion in the North West, now faces an even steeper uphill battle in retaining relevance.
Timeline of Key Defections in Zamfara State Politics
- 2018: Gov. Abdulaziz Yari defects from the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), strengthening APC’s foothold in Zamfara.
- February 2021: Gov. Bello Matawalle, elected under the PDP in 2019, defects to APC, marking a major shift in state leadership.
- December 2021: Hon. Salihu Zurmi, Hon. Murtala Kagara, and Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru defect from PDP to APC, further consolidating APC’s control in the State Assembly.
- December 2025: Six lawmakers defect from PDP to APC.
The timeline graphic of defections in Zamfara politics below charts the major shifts from 2014 through 2025.
This timeline illustrates how APC’s dominance in Zamfara has grown steadily through strategic defections, reshaping the state’s political landscape:
It highlights Governor Bello Matawalle’s move from PDP to APC and the recent defection of six lawmakers in December 2025.
Implications for Zamfara Politics
The defection of six lawmakers could alter the balance of power within the Zamfara State House of Assembly, strengthening APC’s legislative influence.
This may impact debates on state policies, budget approvals, and oversight functions, giving the ruling party greater leverage.
Observers note that the defections also signal a broader trend of political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With APC now controlling a majority of states and assemblies nationwide, the PDP’s shrinking base raises questions about its ability to mount a credible challenge in future contests.
Reactions
APC leaders in Zamfara have welcomed the defectors, describing the move as a “homecoming”.
PDP officials, however, have criticized the lawmakers, accusing them of abandoning the party’s ideals for political convenience.
Civil society groups have also expressed concern that frequent defections undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability, eroding trust in political institutions.
The defection of six Zamfara lawmakers underscores the continuing wave of political shifts reshaping Nigeria’s party system.
For APC, it represents another boost to its growing dominance.
For PDP, it is yet another reminder of the urgent need to resolve internal divisions and rebuild its base.
