In a significant political development in Nigeria, eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have resigned their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers, representing various constituencies, announced their decision during a plenary session in Gusau, the state capital. This move has added a new twist to the political landscape in Zamfara as the 2027 general elections approach. The affected lawmakers represent Mafara South, Maradun I, Bakura, Bukkuyum North, Gummi I, Bungudu North, Maru North, and Kaura constituencies.
The defection of the eight lawmakers has sparked speculation about their next political destination. Although they have not publicly stated which party they intend to join, indications suggest that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could be their next destination. This development comes amid ongoing political realignments in the state, with major parties intensifying efforts to strengthen their structures ahead of the next general elections. Zamfara has witnessed several changes in political allegiance in recent months as the 2027 elections draw closer.
The APC and PDP have remained at the center of the political contest in Zamfara, with other platforms also vying to attract influential politicians and elected officials. The Zamfara Assembly has been at the center of political disagreements in the state in recent years, including a prolonged crisis involving different factions and lawmakers. In December 2025, six members of the Assembly associated with the PDP announced their defection to the APC, citing concerns about internal crises within their former party and alleged infractions by the legislature and state government.
The political situation in Zamfara changed significantly in March 2026 when Governor Dauda Lawal defected from the PDP to the APC. Following the governor's move, the Speaker of the House, Bilyaminu Moriki, and 12 other lawmakers also left the PDP for the APC, giving the APC control of all 24 seats in the Zamfara State House of Assembly at the time. The lawmakers cited the need to support the governor and improve cooperation between the state and federal governments, which they believed could help attract more development.
The latest defection has altered the political arrangement in the Zamfara Assembly, with the eight lawmakers leaving the APC including representatives of some constituencies that have featured prominently in previous political disputes. Zamfara continues to face serious security challenges, making security, governance, and development crucial issues in the political conversation. The lawmakers have cited issues such as party leadership, political differences, development, internal crises, and the interests of their constituents when explaining their decisions to change parties.
The APC leadership in Zamfara has yet to issue a detailed public reaction to the lawmakers' decision. It remains unclear whether the eight lawmakers will formally join the PDP or move to another political platform. This development has significant implications for the political landscape in Zamfara and the 2027 general elections. The state's political scene has been characterized by intense party switching and realignments in recent months.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Zamfara's political landscape continues to evolve. The defection of the eight lawmakers from the APC underscores the dynamic nature of politics in the state. With security, governance, and development emerging as key issues, the political conversation in Zamfara is expected to intensify in the coming months. The decisions of these lawmakers will likely have a lasting impact on the state's political trajectory.
Key points
- Eight Zamfara lawmakers defect from APC citing party leadership and political differences.
- The defection adds a new twist to Zamfara's political landscape ahead of 2027 elections.
- The lawmakers' next destination remains unclear, with PDP a possible option.
