Zamfara lawmaker dumps APC for PDP

A member representing the Talata Mafara North constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsuddeen Basko, has defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party.

The constituency is also the hometown of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

The defection of Hassan was announced in a letter addressed to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government, Zamfara State, cited by PUNCH Online on Thursday.

Explaining his decision, Hassan cited the “deepening crises and poor leadership within the APC at both local government and state levels.”

In the letter titled, “Resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, Hassan said the party’s endless crisis had hindered effective participation.

He stated, “After careful reflection of activities, crisis, divisions, sidelined and poor leadership of the party from local government and the state levels, I have decided to step away from active participation in the party in order to pursue other commitments that align with my personal and political convictions.”

Hassan said his defection was necessary for the ” betterments of all the perople of the constituency i represent”, while expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained during his time in the APC.

“I remain grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained while being a member of the party,” he said.

He urged the ward leadership to treat the letter as his formal notice of exit from the APC, adding that he had forwarded it to the Zamfara State APC chairman and Talata Mafara Local Government APC chairman.

Zamfara State has experienced political turbulence in recent years.

The APC once dominant in the state, has been weakened by internal divisions, with multiple factions competing for control.

The state is now governed by the PDP after its candidate, Dauda Lawal, won the 2023 governorship election.