Court Removes Zamfara Rep for Defection Orders Refund of Salaries

The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Rep. Abubakar Gummi from the House of Representatives for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gummi, who represented the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, lost his seat after Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that his defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits lawmakers from switching parties without just cause.

The court restrained Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, from recognising Gummi as a member of the House and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.

The suit, filed by the PDP and its state chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, argued that Gummi’s defection was unconstitutional since there was no division within the PDP at the time he left.

In his defence, Gummi claimed he left the PDP due to internal crises at both national and state levels, saying they affected his ability to represent his constituents effectively.

However, Justice Egwuatu rejected the argument, ruling that the reasons provided did not meet the constitutional standard for defection. The judge criticised the growing culture of political cross-carpeting, describing it as “political prostitution” that undermines democracy.

He further ordered Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances he received from October 30, 2024, to the date of the judgment, and to file proof of the refund within 30 days.

The court also awarded a fine of ₦500,000 in favour of the PDP against Gummi and the other defendants.