Zamfara APC crisis deepens following the suspension and resignation of eight lawmakers over unpaid entitlements.
The political crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has deepened significantly following the suspension and eventual resignation of eight House of Assembly members from the party.
The affected legislators reportedly left the ruling party because the state assembly allegedly refused to pay their accumulated financial entitlements, salaries, and allowances, or to recall them from a long-standing suspension imposed in February 2024.
Political actors, including Sani Shinkafi, addressed the developments in a public statement, shedding light on the internal party dynamics, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Zamfara State House of Assembly Suspension Details
The eight lawmakers originally faced suspension on February 26, 2024, over allegations of conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the house, and convening an illegal sitting that violated the standing orders of the assembly.
The suspended members include Aliyu Ango Kagara, Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, Faruk Musa Dosara, Bashir Abubakar Masama, Muktaru Nasiru Kaura, Nasiru Abdullahi, Bashar Bello, and Bashar Aliyu.
As their suspension lingered without payment, the legislators forwarded a formal petition to the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions seeking intervention to persuade both the state assembly and the governor to reinstate them.
Governor Dauda Lawal Defection and APC Stakeholders
In March 2026, Governor Dauda Lawal defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move that was initially assumed to pave the way for an amicable resolution of the ongoing legislative dispute within the ruling party.
Senator Abdul'aziz Yari, the Zamfara State leader of the APC, convened and presided over a crucial stakeholders meeting to brief members on his strategic discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding the governor's planned defection.
However, key figures such as the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, declined invitations to attend the gathering, highlighting ongoing political fractures despite the governor joining the party.
Allegations Against Senator Abdul'aziz Yari Debunked
Political stakeholders firmly rejected claims blaming Senator Abdul'aziz Yari for failing to resolve the assembly crisis, describing such narratives as the handiwork of detractors attempting to undermine his political leadership.
Defenders noted that Yari provided personal financial support to the suspended legislators and attempted to broker peace behind the scenes, emphasizing his role as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
Furthermore, rumors linking Yari to the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi, were dismissed as false propaganda spread by political adversaries unhappy with his national appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the eight Zamfara lawmakers resign from the APC?
The eight lawmakers resigned because the Zamfara State House of Assembly refused to recall them from their suspension or pay their accumulated salaries, allowances, and legislative entitlements.
When were the lawmakers originally suspended from the assembly?
The eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly were suspended on February 26, 2024, over allegations of conspiracy, mischief, and convening an illegal sitting.
Who is Senator Abdul'aziz Yari in relation to the Zamfara APC crisis?
Senator Abdul'aziz Yari is the Zamfara State leader of the APC and the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, who worked behind the scenes to broker peace and support the suspended lawmakers.
Did Governor Dauda Lawal join the APC?
Yes, Governor Dauda Lawal defected from the PDP to the APC in March 2026, significantly altering the political trajectory and strengthening the ruling party in Zamfara State.
