Zamfara Speaker Says Suspended Lawmakers Left APC After Misconduct Allegations

The Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, stated that eight lawmakers who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) had already been suspended due to serious allegations. These suspensions occurred on February 26, 2024, for claims of misconduct, conspiracy, and other violations.

Moriki explained that the lawmakers were accused of breaking into official offices and causing damage before holding an unauthorized meeting. These actions led to a criminal complaint against them in court.

In response to their departure from the APC, Moriki suggested that this move was an attempt to distract the public from the ongoing disciplinary issues related to their suspension. He emphasized that their suspension was based on rule violations and not their political choices.

He also mentioned that the Assembly extended the suspension of these lawmakers on May 13, 2026, due to unresolved issues. Moriki pointed out that two other suspended lawmakers were reinstated after they apologized, indicating that the disciplinary actions were not politically motivated.

Despite the suspensions, Moriki assured that the Assembly is functioning properly with 16 active members. He stated that they held a meeting last Tuesday and planned to reconvene on October 5, 2026, dismissing any notion that the Assembly was in chaos.

The Speaker urged the public to separate the lawmakers’ political decisions from the disciplinary actions taken against them, asserting that changing parties does not affect ongoing legal matters. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting public institutions.