Again APC Gains Another Seat In House of Reps As Gumi Defects From PDP

In a notable shift within the Nigerian House of Representatives, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has again gained an additional seat following the defection of Representative Abubakar Gumi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, officially announced Gumi’s defection during Wednesday’s plenary session, reading the lawmaker’s letter to the members on the floor of the House.

The Speaker noted that Gumi, the representative for Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, decided to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) due to ongoing internal conflicts within the party’s ranks in his constituency.

“The Honourable member said there are two PDP Chairmen in his constituency in addition to the crisis in his former party. It is as a result of the internal and external crisis in the PDP in his State. The party lacks structure in the State,” the Speaker said.

But in his reaction, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, relying on a constitutional point of order, reminded the Speaker of the need to treat the issue in line with the Nigerian constitution.

“Mr Speaker, I am coming under constitutional point of order. You are aware that when a member leaves his political party, the rules are clear.

“There is a time to do the right thing and the time has come for the Speaker to do the right thing. You swore to protect the constitution of this country at all times.

“I ask Mr Speaker that you act according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Chinda said.

Although, many PDP lawmakers gave Chinda a standing ovation; the defection of Gumi was successful as APC members gave him a standing ovation.

The defection is coming barely two weeks after Gumi was named the Chairman, House Committee on North-West Development Commission.