Nine members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding a new twist to the political situation in the north-western state ahead of the 2027 elections.
The lawmakers said their decision was influenced largely by concerns over insecurity and the welfare of residents. Their defection comes amid continuing political disagreements between members of the state legislature and the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal.
The lawmakers’ move was announced as tensions between the two major political parties continue to shape political activities in Zamfara. The state has remained one of the areas worst affected by bandit attacks, with communities facing repeated violence, displacement and disruption to economic activities.
Why the lawmakers left the PDP
Aliyu Ango Kagara, who represents Talata Mafara South Constituency, spoke on behalf of the lawmakers and explained that disagreements with the governor intensified after legislators attempted to raise the worsening security situation during proceedings of the House.
According to Kagara, efforts to draw attention to insecurity created friction between the lawmakers and the governor. The dispute eventually resulted in the suspension of the legislators.
The lawmaker maintained that their concerns were connected to the condition of ordinary people in the state and the need for stronger action against insecurity.
The defection to the APC therefore represents a major political development within the Zamfara legislature, particularly as politicians across Nigeria begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.
Nine lawmakers join the APC
The lawmakers who moved from the PDP to the APC include Aliyu Ango Kagara of Talata Mafara South and Muktar Nasir, popularly known as Jikan Shehu, who represents Kaura Namoda North.
Others are Faruk Dosara Musa of Maradun I and Basiru Bello, representing Bungudu West.
The remaining members of the group are Bashir A. Masama of Bukkuyum North, Ibrahim T. Tukur of Bakura, Nasiru Abdullahi of Maru North, Yusuf Muhammad Anka of Anka and Bashar Aliyu of Gummi I.
Their movement could alter political calculations within the Zamfara State House of Assembly and strengthen the APC’s presence among state lawmakers.
Defection does not end political disagreements
Although the lawmakers have now joined the APC, Kagara indicated that the move has not automatically resolved all of their political concerns.
He alleged that some APC figures had also worked against the group and failed to provide an avenue for meaningful engagement over their grievances.
The allegation highlights the complicated political environment surrounding the lawmakers, who have moved from one major party to another while still maintaining that their principal concerns relate to governance and the security situation in Zamfara.
Security remains a major issue in Zamfara
Zamfara has for years struggled with attacks by armed groups and bandits operating across several parts of the state.
The violence has affected farming, trade, education and other aspects of everyday life. Several communities have experienced killings and kidnappings, while many residents have been forced to leave their homes.
Security has consequently become one of the most important political issues in the state, with residents and politicians demanding stronger measures to protect communities and restore economic activity.
The lawmakers’ decision to cite insecurity and the welfare of residents as reasons for their defection is therefore likely to keep security at the centre of political debate in Zamfara.
What the move could mean for 2027
The defection comes at a time when Nigeria’s political parties are already beginning to prepare for the 2027 elections.
Changes in party allegiance by serving lawmakers can influence the balance of power at the state level and potentially affect future contests for elective positions.
For the APC, the arrival of nine lawmakers represents a significant addition to its political strength in Zamfara. For the PDP and the state government, however, the development presents another challenge as political disagreements continue.
Whether the lawmakers’ decision will trigger additional defections remains to be seen. Their move has nevertheless increased political pressure in Zamfara and could become an important factor in the state’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
With insecurity still affecting communities across the state, the lawmakers’ decision also places renewed attention on how both major parties intend to address the security and welfare concerns that they have identified as central to their political choices.
