Eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have resigned their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing insecurity, alleged injustice and concerns over the welfare of their constituents.
The lawmakers announced their resignation in separate statements, accusing the APC-led administration of failing to adequately address the worsening security situation in the state, particularly in rural communities.
Among those who resigned are Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South; Hon. Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, representing Bakura; Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara, representing Maradun I; and Hon. Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama, representing Bukkuyum North.
Others are Hon. Muktaru Nasiru Kaura, representing Kaura North; Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi, representing Maru North; Hon. Bashar Bello, representing Bungudu West; and Hon. Bashar Aliyu, representing Gummi I.
The development further deepens political realignments within the Zamfara APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid reported disagreements among various political interests in the state.
The lawmakers have yet to announce which political party they intend to join.
Reacting to the development, the Zamfara State APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Danmadamin Birnin Magaji, said the party had not received formal notification of the lawmakers’ resignation.
He said the party was awaiting official correspondence from the lawmakers’ respective political wards and local government executives.
“We are still waiting for their correspondence from their respective political wards after reaching their local government executives, which would later be forwarded to us,” Danmadamin said.
According to him, the party only became aware of the lawmakers’ decision through social media.
“We all saw it on social media platforms, but whenever we receive the copies officially, we would communicate with you on our stand,” he added.
Asked whether the resignations were connected to an internal crisis within the party, Danmadamin said the APC had not been formally informed of any grievances by the lawmakers.
However, one of the lawmakers, Kagara, accused the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal of failing to adequately respond to insecurity affecting rural communities.
He said the lawmakers had repeatedly raised concerns about the security situation but were dissatisfied with the government’s response.
“What we are challenging Governor Lawal’s administration about is even worse now compared to previous times, so we have seen no reason to continue remaining in the APC,” Kagara said.
He added that their constituents in rural communities had been left without adequate attention despite voting the lawmakers into office to represent their interests, particularly on security matters.
Kagara also alleged that the lawmakers had gone 32 months without receiving salaries, allowances and other entitlements.
“This is our 32 months without salary, allowances and other entitlements as honourable members, and the people of Zamfara; the ball is in their court,” he said.
Meanwhile, a party official who spoke on condition of anonymity said he understood the lawmakers’ decision, alleging that efforts to reconcile them with Governor Lawal had failed.
“I don’t blame them, and they did the right thing, as the governor chose not to reconcile with them despite all efforts to ensure they remained in the APC,” the official said.
Governor Lawal has not publicly responded to the allegations made by the lawmakers.
Their resignation came barely 24 hours after the governor reportedly challenged members of his cabinet who believed they had been treated unfairly to resign from his administration.
