The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sacked Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi, the lawmaker representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his action as a breach of constitutional trust and a moral betrayal of the electorate.
Delivering judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024 filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that the mandate which brought Gummi into the National Assembly belongs to the PDP and not the individual. The court maintained that it is “legally and morally wrong” for an elected lawmaker to abandon the political platform that sponsored his victory and still claim to represent the people under another party’s banner.
The judge further condemned what he termed “political prostitution,” stating that the law must punish such conduct to preserve the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Consequently, the court declared Gummi’s seat vacant and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the constituency within 30 days. Justice Egwuatu also directed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately stop recognising Gummi as a member of the House.
In addition, the court ordered Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances he received from 30th October 2024 till the date of judgment and awarded a fine of N500,000 in favour of the PDP and its state chairman.
In his defence, Gummi argued through his counsel that his defection was triggered by deep internal crises within the PDP, both at the state and national levels, which allegedly hindered him from effectively representing his constituents and delivering democratic dividends. However, the court dismissed this argument, ruling that internal disputes within a party are insufficient justification for defection under Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The judgment has sparked political reactions across Zamfara State and beyond, with analysts describing it as a stern warning to defecting politicians who switch parties after winning elections under one platform. It also reignites debate over the integrity of political representation in Nigeria’s democracy.
INEC is expected to announce a date for the fresh election soon, while sources close to Gummi indicate that he may appeal the ruling in the coming days.
This landmark decision reaffirms the judiciary’s growing stance against arbitrary defections and sends a clear message to lawmakers across the country that electoral mandates must remain tied to the parties that earned them at the polls.