The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Isma’il Moriki, on Monday, 23 March 2026, announced in Gusau, the state capital, that all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the chamber have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political shift in the state assembly.
The development, which forms the Zamfara PDP lawmakers defect APC movement, was declared during an extraordinary sitting presided over by Moriki, who confirmed that all thirteen PDP-aligned legislators, including the Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader, had collectively resolved to join the ruling party.
The Speaker stated that the decision followed prolonged internal crises within the PDP, which lawmakers said had weakened party cohesion and disrupted effective representation. He further read out resignation letters from the affected legislators, formally confirming their exit from the opposition party.
The lawmakers also referenced the recent political movement of Governor Dauda Lawal, who reportedly left the PDP for the APC, describing their own defection as a coordinated step aligned with broader political developments in the state.
According to Assembly sources, the lawmakers said their decision reflected the wishes of their constituents, claiming strong grassroots support for the move. They also pledged continued commitment to legislative duties under their new political platform.
The Zamfara PDP lawmakers defect APC development is expected to be formally consolidated during a reception ceremony scheduled for Tuesday in Gusau, where party leaders are anticipated to officially welcome the defecting legislators into the APC fold.
Political observers say the mass defection could significantly reshape the balance of power in the Zamfara Assembly, strengthening the ruling party’s influence ahead of future political cycles.
The unfolding realignment adds to a growing wave of party switches across Nigeria’s political landscape, underscoring shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
