Zamfara APC lawmaker Basko dumps party for PDP

A member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsuddeen Basko, who represents the Talata Mafara North constituency, has officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Basko’s defection is particularly notable as his constituency is the hometown of former Zamfara governor and influential APC chieftain, Abdulaziz Yari, who currently serves as the senator representing Zamfara West

The lawmaker’s defection was made known through a letter sent to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

In the letter, Basko attributed his decision to what he described as a worsening crisis and ineffective leadership within the party at both the local government and state levels.

Under the title, “Resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, he stated that persistent internal conflicts had made meaningful participation in party activities difficult.

He wrote, “After careful reflection of activities, crisis, divisions, sidelined and poor leadership of the party from local government and the state levels, I have decided to step away from active participation in the party in order to pursue other commitments that align with my personal and political convictions.”

He added that his decision was taken for the “betterments of all the people of the constituency i represent”, while expressing appreciation for the opportunities and experiences he gained during his time in the party.

“I remain grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained while being a member of the party,” he said.

He further requested that the ward leadership accept the letter as his official notice of resignation from the APC, noting that copies had also been sent to the Zamfara State APC chairman and the Talata Mafara Local Government APC chairman.

Zamfara State has, in recent years, been bedevilled by political instability. Once firmly controlled by the APC, the party’s influence in the state has declined due to internal rivalries and competing factions.

The state is currently governed by the PDP, following the victory of its candidate, Dauda Lawal, in the 2023 governorship election.