The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Rep. Abubakar Gummi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, from the House of Representatives 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, noting that he failed to prove there was any division within the PDP — a condition required under Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution to justify such a move.
The court directed House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately stop recognizing Gummi as a member and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
The suit was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, who argued that the lawmaker had no legal basis to retain his seat after abandoning the party that sponsored his election.
Gummi, through his counsel, claimed that he defected because of internal crises within the PDP at both national and local levels. The court, however, dismissed his argument and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
Condemning the trend of political defection, Justice Egwuatu said:
> “If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates. Political prostitution must not be rewarded.”
The court also ordered Gummi to:
Stop receiving all salaries and allowances as a member of the House.
Refund all payments received from October 30, 2024, until the date of judgment.
Submit proof of refund to the court within 30 days.
In addition, the judge imposed a ₦500,000 fine against Gummi and the other defendants.
