In a major political realignment, nine members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep-seated disagreements with the state leadership over handling the widespread insecurity and an alleged disregard for resident welfare.
The decision was officially made public on Sunday afternoon, October 4, 2026, during a high-stakes press briefing convened at approximately 5:20 PM in Gusau.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the group, Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, the lawmaker representing Talata Mafara South Constituency, revealed that the rift had been brewing for months inside the chamber as the state’s security climate continued to deteriorate.
”Because of the lack of security and lack of concern for the people of Zamfara, we raised the issue in the House, which did not go down well with the governor,” Kagara said. “That was why we had issues with him, which led to our suspension and later defection to the APC.”
According to Kagara, the group’s attempts to advocate for stronger military interventions and expanded relief measures for displaced communities were met with political resistance rather than legislative action, leaving them with no alternative but to cut ties and seek shelter under the opposition banner.
The nine lawmakers who staged the walkout represent a significant cross-section of the state. List of lawmakers include Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Hon. Mukhtar Nasir, aka Jikan Shehu (Kaura Namoda North), Hon. Faruk Dosara Musa (Maradun I), Hon. Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), Hon. Barrister Bashir A. Masama (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Ibrahim T. Tukur (Bakura), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi (Maru North), Hon. Yusuf Muhammad Anka (Anka) and Rt. Hon. Bashar Aliyu (Gummi I).
The sudden loss of nine seats alters the balance of power inside the Zamfara legislature, setting up a contentious environment as assembly leaders prepare to reconvene this week. State executive officials have so far declined to comment on the specific allegations raised during Sunday’s briefing.
