Eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, accusing the party and state authorities of worsening insecurity, alleged injustice and 32 months without salaries and allowances.
The lawmakers announced their exit in separate resignation letters, citing what they described as the failure of the APC-led administration to adequately address the security crisis affecting their constituents, particularly in rural communities.
Among those who resigned are Aliyu Ango Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South; Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, representing Bakura; Faruk Musa Dosara, representing Maradun I; and Bashir Abubakar Masama, representing Bukkuyum North.
Others are Muktaru Nasiru Kaura of Kaura North; Nasiru Abdullahi of Maru North; Bashar Bello of Bungudu West; and Bashar Aliyu of Gummi I.
Kagara, an ally of former Governor Abdul’aziz, said the lawmakers could no longer justify remaining in the APC when, according to them, the security concerns they had repeatedly raised remained unresolved.
He also accused the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal of failing to give adequate attention to communities battling insecurity.
“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 said the lawmakers were particularly concerned about residents in rural areas who, according to him, had been left without adequate attention despite electing them to represent their interests.
“Our constituents in rural areas who voted us into power to address their security concerns were not being given any attention,” he added.
The lawmakers also alleged that they had been denied their salaries, allowances and other entitlements for 32 months.
Kagara said the prolonged non-payment had added to their grievances and challenged the people of Zamfara to decide what action should follow.
“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.
The resignation has further stirred political realignment within Zamfara ahead of the 2027 elections, although the eight lawmakers have yet to announce their next political destination.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara APC said it had not formally received the lawmakers’ resignation letters. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, said the documents had only been seen circulating on social media and that the party was awaiting official communication through the appropriate ward and local government structures.
The lawmakers had also reportedly faced suspension by the APC over allegations that they were involved in an attempt to impeach the Speaker of the state Assembly about a year ago.
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