Eight Zamfara Lawmakers Resign From APC Over Insecurity, Unpaid Entitlements

Eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have announced their resignation from the All Progressives Congress, APC, citing insecurity, alleged political injustice and the non-payment of salaries and allowances.

The lawmakers announced their decision on Sunday, October 4, 2026, saying they could no longer remain in a party they believe has failed to respond adequately to the security and welfare concerns affecting their constituents.

Lawmakers Who Resigned

The lawmakers named in reports are:

The development comes amid growing political activity and realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Insecurity and Salary Claims

The lawmakers cited Zamfara’s continuing insecurity as one of the major reasons for leaving the APC.

Aliyu Kagara said rural communities had continued to face serious security threats and accused Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration of failing to give the issue sufficient attention.

“What we are challenging Governor Lawal’s administration about is even worse now compared to previous times, so we have seen no reason to continue remaining in the APC,” Kagara said.

Kagara also alleged that the lawmakers had spent 32 months without salaries, allowances and other entitlements.

“This is our 32 months without salary, allowances and other entitlements as honourable members and the people of Zamfara; the ball is in their court.”

The allegation has been reported by several news organisations. However, it remains the lawmakers’ claim and has not been independently verified through payment documents or a detailed response from the relevant state authorities.

APC Says It Has Not Received Letters

The Zamfara APC said it had not formally received the lawmakers’ resignation letters through the party’s recognised structures when it first reacted.

The party’s publicity secretary, Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, said the state chapter had only seen copies circulating on social media.

“We are still waiting for their correspondence from their respective political wards after reaching their local government executives, which would later be forwarded to us.”

The party said it would give a comprehensive response after receiving the documents through the lawmakers’ wards and local government party executives.

Speaker Cites Earlier Suspension

The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, said the lawmakers had been suspended from the House before the latest APC resignation announcement.

According to the Speaker, the eight lawmakers were suspended on February 26, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House and participation in an unauthorised sitting.

Moriki said their suspension was extended on May 13, 2026, because the disciplinary matters had not been resolved.

He also said the Assembly remained functional, with 16 active members continuing legislative activities.

These allegations represent the Assembly leadership’s version of the dispute and should be separated from the lawmakers’ stated reasons for leaving the APC.

No New Party Announced

The lawmakers have not announced the political party they intend to join after leaving the APC.

For that reason, the development should not yet be described as a defection to another party. It is currently a resignation from the APC, with the lawmakers’ next political destination still undisclosed.

Their next move could affect political calculations in Zamfara, where shifts among elected officials may influence local party structures and alliances ahead of 2027.

Conflicting Reports on Numbers

Most reports, including those by TheCable, BusinessDay, Leadership and The Nation, identified eight lawmakers as having resigned.

However, some reports have carried differing figures. Until the Zamfara Assembly or the APC issues a complete official record, the eight-member figure remains the most consistently reported account.

Bottom Line

Eight Zamfara lawmakers have announced their exit from the APC, citing insecurity, alleged political injustice and claims of 32 months of unpaid salaries and allowances.

The APC says it is awaiting formal notification, while the Assembly Speaker has emphasised that the lawmakers were suspended earlier over alleged misconduct. With no new party announced, their next political decision will be closely watched as Zamfara’s political landscape evolves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Source: Gistreel