In a notable shift within Nigeria’s political landscape, Suleiman Abubakar Gummi, the representative for Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara State, has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved crises within his former party.
Gummi’s defection letter was read during Wednesday’s plenary session by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, marking his official departure from the PDP.
Gummi attributed his decision to the persistent internal and external challenges within the PDP, pointing specifically to leadership issues in his local government. The recent removal of the PDP’s local government chairman, he noted, led to a divisive situation with two claimants to the position, creating a volatile environment for effective democratic operations.
However, his departure did not go unchallenged. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, invoking constitutional protocol, urged Speaker Tajudeen to declare Gummi’s seat vacant. Chinda referenced the Supreme Court’s guidance on political crises and argued that Gummi’s reasons for defection did not align with the legal definitions of a crisis that would justify switching parties without vacating his seat. “The world is watching,” Chinda asserted, calling on the Speaker to uphold his constitutional duty and ensure justice in alignment with the law and the oath of office.
As the debate around Gummi’s seat continues, the incident highlights ongoing tensions and questions about party loyalty, representation, and constitutional fidelity within Nigeria’s political framework.