APC Secures Full Control of Zamfara Assembly as Speaker, 12 Lawmakers Defect

APC Secures Full Control of Zamfara Assembly as Speaker, 12 Lawmakers Defect

The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, has led a major political realignment in Zamfara State following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside 12 other lawmakers.

The development effectively hands the APC full control of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, marking a significant shift in the state’s political structure and strengthening the ruling party’s grip on legislative affairs.

The defection is widely interpreted as a move to align the Assembly with the political direction of Governor Dauda Lawal. With the Speaker and a majority of lawmakers now in the APC, the party is poised to exercise greater influence over lawmaking, oversight functions, and policy implementation in the state. Analysts say the consolidation of both executive and legislative arms under one political platform could ease the passage of government policies and budgets, potentially reducing friction between the two arms of government. However, critics warn that such dominance may weaken opposition voices and reduce legislative scrutiny, a key element of democratic governance.

The mass defection represents a significant setback for the PDP in Zamfara, where it previously held considerable influence within the Assembly. The party is expected to reassess its strategy in the state as it grapples with the loss of key figures and legislative strength. Political observers note that defections of this scale are often driven by a mix of strategic calculations, internal party disagreements, and the desire to align with prevailing power structures, particularly as political actors begin to position themselves ahead of future electoral cycles.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the defecting lawmakers nor the state chapter of the PDP had issued detailed statements explaining the reasons behind the move. Similarly, the APC is yet to formally announce the defection, although party insiders have reportedly welcomed the lawmakers into its fold.

With the APC now firmly in control of the Assembly, attention is expected to shift to how this new political configuration will impact governance in Zamfara. Stakeholders say the coming weeks will reveal whether the development translates into improved policy coordination and service delivery, or raises concerns about political plurality and accountability.

APC Secures Full Control of Zamfara Assembly as Speaker, 12 Lawmakers Defect