The political crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has taken another turn after eight serving members of the state House of Assembly announced their resignation from the party.
The lawmakers are yet to announce the political platform they intend to join, but their exit is expected to further affect the party’s political calculations in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC awaits formal notification
The development was initially known to the public through resignation letters circulating on social media.
However, the Zamfara APC said it was yet to receive official communication from the lawmakers.
The party’s publicity secretary, Ibrahim Danmadamin Birnin Magaji, said the resignation notices would have to come through the lawmakers’ respective political wards and local government party structures before reaching the state chapter.
“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.
He added that the party had only seen the documents online.
“We all saw it on social media platforms, but whenever we receive the copies officially, we would communicate with you on our stand,” the party publicity secretary said.
According to him, the APC could not determine whether the lawmakers’ decision was connected to an internal dispute until it received their official letters and reasons for leaving.
Security crisis cited as major reason
The lawmakers, however, gave insecurity and what they described as neglect of their constituents among the reasons for their departure.
Aliyu Ango Kagara, who represents Talata Mafara South, said the security situation affecting people in rural communities had worsened.
He said the lawmakers had no reason to continue identifying with the APC when, in their view, concerns they had raised were not adequately addressed.
“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.
“Our constituents in rural areas who voted us into power to address their security concerns were not being given any attention,” Kagara said.
Kagara also alleged that the lawmakers had not received salaries, allowances and other entitlements for 32 months.
“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. Whether they enjoy what is happening or not, they are in the best position to take action and they need not to be told,” Kagara said.
Eight lawmakers announce exit
Those who resigned are Kagara; Ibrahim Tukur Bakura of Bakura constituency; Faruk Musa Dosara of Maradun I; and Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama of Bukkuyum North.
The 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 is also an ally of former Governor Abdul’aziz.
Allegations of failed reconciliation
A party official, who spoke to Daily Trust without revealing his name, said the lawmakers’ decision was understandable.
The official alleged that Governor Dauda Lawal had failed to reconcile with some members of the party despite attempts to resolve their differences.
“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,” he said.
Governor Lawal had not responded to the allegations when the report was published.
The lawmakers’ departure follows an earlier suspension from the APC.
According to Daily Trust, they had been suspended about a year ago over allegations that they were involved in an attempt to impeach the Speaker of the state House of Assembly.
Their latest decision adds another layer to the divisions and political realignments currently unfolding within the Zamfara APC.
