The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained an extra seat within the House of Representatives after Rep. Abubakar Gumi defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday.
An excited Speaker Tajudeen Abbas introduced throughout a plenary session that Gumi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, has defected to APC.
Abbas believed the continuing inner disaster throughout the PDP ranks in Gumi’s constituency, which has resulted in a number of defections in Nigeria’s political panorama, prompted Gumi’s choice.
The speaker stated: “The Honourable member stated that there are two PDP chairmen in his constituency, adding to the internal and external crisis within the party in his state. The party lacks structure in the state.”
However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, citing a constitutional level of order, reminded the Speaker of the necessity to tackle the defection in step with the Nigerian structure.
He stated: “Mr Speaker, I’m talking below a constitutional level of order. You are conscious that when a member leaves his political social gathering, the principles 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.”
While a number of PDP lawmakers gave Chinda a standing ovation, Gumi’s defection to the APC proceeded efficiently, with APC members additionally rising to their toes in applause.
Gumi’s defection comes simply two weeks after his appointment as Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission.
