The All Progressives Congress (APC) gained an additional seat in the House of Representatives on Wednesday after Abubakar Gumi, a member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the defection during the plenary session, reading Gumi’s letter, which cited internal conflicts within the PDP in his constituency as the primary reason for his departure.
According to Gumi, the PDP in his state faces leadership issues, with two competing PDP Chairmen, leading to a lack of structure and organization.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, referencing constitutional guidelines, raised a point of order, reminding the Speaker of the need to follow constitutional procedures regarding party defections.
“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 stated.
Despite objections, Gumi’s defection was accepted, with APC members showing their support with a standing ovation.
The move comes just two weeks after Gumi was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission.
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