The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has been hit by a major internal shake-up as two of its members in the State House of Assembly formally announced their resignation from the party. The lawmakers, Shamsudeen Hassan Basko, representing Talata-Mafara North Constituency, and Nura Dahiru, representing Birnin-Magaji Constituency, cited persistent internal wrangling, poor leadership, and marginalisation as their reasons for exiting the ruling party.
Their decisions were conveyed in separate letters, both dated December 3, which were subsequently read aloud on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki.
In his resignation letter, Hon. Basko was unequivocal about the causes of his departure. He stated that the “persistent crises, internal divisions, poor leadership, and the sidelining of members” were the main factors that prompted his decision to leave the APC. He concluded that remaining within the party’s fold was no longer tenable, as it did not align with his political convictions or the core interests of his constituents.
Similarly, Hon. Dahiru emphasized that his exit was a necessary move to pursue ideals and causes that more accurately reflect the desires and aspirations of the people in his constituency. He noted that his departure from the APC would allow him to champion issues that better serve his constituents. Following his resignation, Hon. Dahiru immediately announced his defection to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State.
The departure of the two lawmakers marks a significant political development in Zamfara, highlighting the deep-seated factional issues plaguing the APC chapter and signalling a potential shift in the state’s political dynamics as the PDP gains strength within the legislative arm.
