Court Sacks Zamfara Lawmaker For Defecting To APC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Rep Abubakar Gummi from office for leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gummi, who represented Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara, was barred by Justice Obiora Egwuatu from being recognised as a member of the House of Representatives.

The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacancy within 30 days of the judgment.

The case, FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its state chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, against Gummi, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and INEC.

The plaintiffs argued that Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, as he moved to APC without any division in PDP, and sought a declaration that the speaker must vacate his seat.

Gummi, through his lawyer, had argued that internal party crises at both national and local levels forced his defection, claiming the situation hindered his ability to represent his constituents effectively.

Delivering judgment, Justice Egwuatu ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, stressing that politicians must respect the choice of the electorate.

He condemned defections that transfer votes from one party to another, saying Section 68(1)(g) ensures such moves are penalised.

The court ruled that Gummi automatically lost his seat upon defection.

He was restrained from receiving salaries or allowances as a representative and ordered to refund all payments received from October 30, 2024, to the date of the judgment.

The court also imposed a N500,000 fine on the defendants in favour of the plaintiffs.