The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed house of representatives member, Abubakar Gummi from office for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gummi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, lost his seat following a ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
Judge Orders Fresh Election Within 30 Days
Justice Egwuatu, in his judgment, restrained Speaker Tajudeen Abbas from further recognising Gummi as a member of the House.
He also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ruling was delivered on Thursday, though the certified true copy was obtained on Friday.
PDP Sues to Reclaim Mandate
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki. The plaintiffs, represented by senior lawyer Ibrahim Bawa (SAN), argued that Gummi’s defection breached Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which forbids lawmakers from switching parties without valid reasons.
They maintained that there was no division in the PDP to justify Gummi’s move to the APC and sought a declaration that his seat be declared vacant.
Gummi Cites Party Crisis as Defence
In his defence, Gummi claimed his defection was due to internal crises within the PDP at both the national and constituency levels.
He said the unresolved conflicts made it impossible for him to represent his constituents effectively, prompting his move to the APC.
However, Justice Egwuatu dismissed his argument and granted all the plaintiffs’ reliefs.
Judge Condemns Political Defections
Justice Egwuatu criticised politicians who treat defection as a normal practice. He said, “Before I take my fingers off the keyboard, let me just add, that politicians should respect the wishes of the electorates that elected them into office.”
He further warned that it is “legally and morally wrong” for politicians to abandon the party that brought them to power and “transfer votes” to another political party.
The judge described such actions as “political prostitution” that must not be rewarded, adding that the law punishes such moves under Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution.
Court Orders Refund of Salaries and Allowances
The court ordered Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances he received from 30 October 2024 until the date of judgment. He is required to file evidence of the refund in the court registry within 30 days.
Justice Egwuatu also imposed a ₦500,000 fine in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants.