Zamfara State Assembly Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki Leads 12 Lawmakers in Mass Defection to All Progressives Congress

Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki and 12 PDP lawmakers defect to APC in Zamfara State, giving the party all 24 assembly seats following Governor Lawal's transition.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Authority

Legislative Earthquake Solidifies APC Control in Gusau

In a dramatic restructuring of the state's political landscape, Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki has formally transitioned from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. During a plenary session held in Gusau on Monday, the Speaker presented letters of resignation on behalf of himself and 12 other colleagues, effectively ending the PDP’s presence within the state’s primary lawmaking body. This move is not merely a personnel change but a strategic realignment that places the legislative branch in total lockstep with the executive arm of the Zamfara State government.

Unanimous Alignment with Executive Leadership Shift

The decision by the assembly members was directly precipitated by the prior defection of Governor Dauda Lawal from the PDP to the APC. According to Speaker Moriki, the legislative group felt it was necessary to align their political affiliation with the Governor to ensure a unified approach to state governance. By following the Governor into the ruling party, the lawmakers argue they are creating a more cohesive environment for policy implementation, removing the friction that often exists between opposing party leadership in the executive and legislative branches.

High Profile Defectors Reshape Assembly Hierarchy

The wave of defections includes the core leadership of the House, signaling a total collapse of the PDP caucus within the chamber. Among those switching allegiances are Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu, Majority Leader Bello Mazawaje, and Chief Whip Rilwanu Nagambo. With these senior figures moving to the APC, the party now commands an absolute majority of all 24 seats in the Zamfara House of Assembly. This total dominance provides the APC with an unchallenged mandate to pass legislation and approve executive requests without the traditional hurdles of a multi party system.