The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expanded its representation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday with the defection of Abubakar Gumi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During a plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the development to his colleagues by reading Gumi’s defection letter on the House floor.
Gumi, who represents the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, cited the ongoing crisis within the PDP ranks in his constituency as the reason for his decision to leave the party.
“The Honourable member stated that there are two PDP Chairmen in his constituency, adding to the internal and external crisis within the party in his State. The party lacks structure in the State,” the Speaker explained.
However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, citing a constitutional point of order, reminded the Speaker of the need to address the defection in line with the Nigerian constitution.
“Mr Speaker, I am speaking under a constitutional point of order. You are aware that when a member leaves his political party, the rules are clear.
“There is a time to do the right thing, and that time has come. You swore to uphold the constitution of this country,” Chinda said.
While several PDP lawmakers gave Chinda a standing ovation, Gumi’s defection proceeded successfully, with APC members also standing in applause.
The defection comes just two weeks after Gumi’s appointment as Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission.
