We Have Not Returned To APC – Zamfara Lawmakers

The eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have denied reports that they have defected back to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers spoke through their spokesman and member representing Bakura Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Tukur Bakura in an exclusive chat with leadership said we have not returned to APC, we only discussed our problems with the President.

Bakura said their visit to the Villa was to discuss issues surrounding their suspension from the House and their pending entitlements.

He described reports in some online media that they had returned to the APC as false and misleading.

“Neither have we decamped to the APC nor promised to return to the APC. What took us to the Villa was to discuss the problem of why we were suspended, our pending entitlements and how to resolve it,” he said.

He said if they decide to officially return to the APC, there would be a formal press briefing.

“If we decide to return to the APC officially, I will personally call Leadership and others important media Houses and brief them,” he added.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the eight lawmakers recently resigned from the APC and met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

The lawmakers were led to the Villa by the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Bello Matawalle.

According to a statement by Matawalle’s media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the lawmakers reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and their support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The affected lawmakers are Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Ibrahim Tukur Bakura (Bakura), Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun I), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Muktaru Nasiru Kaura (Kaura North), Nasiru Abdullahi (Maru North), Bashar Bello (Bungudu West) and Bashar Aliyu (Gummi I).

They were suspended by the House on February 26, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct, conspiracy, contempt of the House and convening an illegal sitting. The suspension was extended on May 13, 2026.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, had said the suspension predated their political decision and arose from disciplinary matters within the House.