Federal High Court sacks House of Reps member Abubakar Gummi for defecting from PDP to APC; fresh election ordered for Gummi/Bukkuyum constituency.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has officially removed Hon. Abubakar Gummi from the House of Representatives following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gummi represented the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the ruling, emphasized that Gummi’s defection violated the Nigerian Constitution, stressing that legislative seats belong to the political party that sponsored the election, not individual politicians.
The court directed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas not to recognise Gummi as a sitting member of the House and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election for the constituency within 30 days.
The lawsuit was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State chairman, arguing that there was no legal justification for Gummi’s defection, as there was no division within the PDP that could warrant such a move under Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution.
Gummi’s defense cited internal party crises as the reason for his defection, claiming it hindered his ability to serve constituents effectively. However, the court dismissed his arguments and granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
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Justice Egwuatu issued a stern warning against political opportunism, describing party-hopping as “political prostitution” that should not be rewarded. He also ordered Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances received from October 30, 2024, until the date of judgment, and barred him from earning further benefits as a member of the House.
Additionally, the court imposed a N500,000 cost on Gummi in favor of the PDP.
This landmark ruling reinforces the principle that political mandates belong to parties, not individual politicians, setting a precedent against unconstitutional defections.