More Strength for PDP in Zamfara as Two Lawmakers Dump APC

• Two Zamfara state house of assembly members have resigned from the APC due to internal crises and poor leadership
• One of the defectors, whose constituency is also the hometown of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, explained that continuous internal divisions and the sidelining of members
• Both lawmakers have defected to the PDP, emphasising that leaving the APC would allow them to pursue causes that better represent the aspirations of their constituents

Legit.ng journalist Muslim Muhammad Yusuf has over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.

Gusau, Zamfara - Two lawmakers from the Zamfara state House of Assembly formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal crises and poor leadership within the party.

The members submitted their resignation letters, which were read on the floor of the House by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

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Shamsudeen Hassan Basko, representing Talata-Mafara North Constituency, and Nura Dahiru, representing Birnin-Magaji Constituency, announced that they defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Hassan, whose constituency is also the hometown of former governor Abdulaziz Yari, explained that continuous internal divisions and the sidelining of members at both state and local government levels rendered his continued participation in the APC untenable.

“After careful reflection of activities, crisis, divisions, sidelined and poor leadership of the party from local government and the state levels, I have decided to step away from active participation in the party in order to pursue other commitments that align with my personal and political convictions,” Hassan said in his resignation letter.

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He added that the decision was necessary for the betterment of all the people in the constituency he represents, and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had within the party.

Another member cited similar reason for defection

Dahiru also cited similar reasons for his departure, emphasising that leaving the APC would allow him to pursue causes that better represent the aspirations of his constituents.

Following his resignation, he formally declared his defection to the PDP, and both lawmakers requested that their resignation letters be treated as formal notices of exit.

The PDP has steadily consolidated its position in the state, particularly after its candidate, Dauda Lawal, won the 2023 governorship election.

Zamfara governor mentions actual cause of PDP crisis

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal, has revealed that ego among members is the root cause of the deepening crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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Governor Lawal insisted that the situation is beyond the role of former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 general elections.

Legit.ng reports that the crisis rocking the PDP involving Atiku and FCT minister Nyesom Wike since 2023 has led to a wave of high-profile defections and unending leadership disputes.

Wike names governor behind PDP crisis

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pulled out of the PDP reconciliation deal.

The former Rivers state governor blamed Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde for the crisis rocking the PDP.

Wike blamed Governor Makinde for sabotaging reconciliation efforts and described him as the “architect of our problems”.

2027 election: Saraki speaks on PDP crisis

Legit.ng previously reported that the chairman of the PDP reconciliation committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Saraki expressed optimism about the party’s prospects and noted that the PDP has time to resolve its leadership crisis and restore itself as a vibrant opposition in Nigeria.

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Speaking in Kwara state, Saraki hinted at progress being made, with reconciliation efforts gaining momentum ahead of the PDP's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the end of June 2025.

Source: Legit.ng