Eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have resigned from the All Progressives Congress, citing worsening insecurity, alleged injustice and the non-payment of their salaries and allowances.
The lawmakers announced their resignation in a statement on Sunday, saying they could no longer remain in a party they accused of failing to adequately address the security challenges confronting residents of the state.
The lawmakers are Aliyu Kagara, representing Talata Mafara South; Ibrahim Bakura, representing Bakura; Faruk Dosara, representing Maradun I; and Bashir Masama, representing Bukkuyum North.
Others are Muktaru Kaura, representing Kaura North; Nasiru Abdullahi, representing Maru North; Bashar Bello, representing Bungudu West; and Bashar Aliyu, representing Gummi I.
They said their decision was also driven by what they described as worsening welfare conditions affecting both the lawmakers and their constituents.
Kagara said the lawmakers had gone 32 months without receiving 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,” he said.
He added, “Whether they enjoy what is happening or not, they are in the best position to take action, and they need not be told.”
Kagara also criticised the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal over its handling of insecurity, particularly in rural communities.
“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,” he said.
“Our constituents in rural areas who voted us into power to address their security concerns were not being given any attention.”
APC awaits official resignation letters
However, the APC said it had yet to receive official copies of the lawmakers’ resignation letters.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, said the APC had only seen the letters on social media and was awaiting official communication through the lawmakers’ respective political wards and local government executives.
“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,” Birnin-Magaji told Daily Trust.
The APC spokesperson added, “We all saw it on social media platforms, but whenever we receive the copies officially, we would communicate with you on our stand.”
According to him, the party was unaware of any grievances from the lawmakers before the resignation letters emerged.
The lawmakers were reportedly suspended by the APC over allegations that they attempted to impeach the Speaker of the state House of Assembly about a year ago.
Their latest resignation comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara, with the lawmakers accusing the party and state authorities of failing to adequately address the situation.
