The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Abubakar Gummi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, over his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Delivering judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that Gummi’s defection was unconstitutional and violated the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibit lawmakers from switching political parties without a division in their original party.
The court further barred the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from recognizing Gummi as a member of the National Assembly. It also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
In addition, Justice Egwuatu directed Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances received from October 30, 2024, to the date of judgment, and to pay N500,000 in costs to the PDP.
The judge criticized the frequent defection of politicians from the parties that sponsored their elections, describing the practice as “unethical and contrary to the rule of law.”
The ruling underscores a growing judicial stance against political cross-carpeting, which has become a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
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