Breaking: Zamfara Lawmaker Joins PDP, Leaves APC

Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly who represents the seat of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, has switched from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker publicly declared his defection on Thursday while Governor Dauda Lawal presented the projected budget for 2026.

According to reports, Hassan, who represents Mafara North, is the most recent supporter of Senator Abdulaziz Yari to leave the APC amid escalating internal strife.

Since losing to Senator Godswill Akpabio in the race for Senate President two years ago, Yari, a former state governor, has seen his power decline.

The action diminishes Yari’s hold on the party structure and exacerbates the divisions within the Zamfara APC. Hassan claimed that “deepening crises and poor leadership” at the state and municipal levels were the reasons he quit the party.

The congressman bemoaned that ongoing differences had prevented effective involvement in a letter titled “Resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC)” that was sent on December 3, 2025, to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

“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,” the letter states.

Hassan went on to say that he made this choice because he wanted to pursue “commitments that align more closely” with his political views and the demands of his community in terms of development.

Despite being challenging, the congressman claimed that his departure was essential to the advancement of the people he represents. He conveyed his appreciation for the experiences he had gained while serving in the ruling party.

Noting that copies had been sent to the chairman of the Talata Mafara Local Government and the Zamfara State APC, Basko advised the ward leadership to take the letter as his official notice of leaving the APC.

Below is a copy of the letter of resignation.