- INEC to conduct a by-election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat
- The judge ruled that Gummi automatically forfeited his seat
- The lawmaker must submit proof of repayment within 30 days
The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Rep. Abubakar Gummi from his position for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Mr. Gummi, who represents the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, was dismissed following a judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Lagos Is the Yoruba United States Leading Nigeria’s Progress – Sanwo-Olu
- Nathaniel Reaffirms ‘Hallelujah Challenge’ Will Remain Unmonetised
- Aliyu Predicts Tinubu’s Re-election in 2027, Says Opposition Is Weak
The court barred the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, from recognizing Gummi as a member and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki. They argued that Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, as there was no division within the PDP to justify his move.
In his defence, Gummi claimed that unresolved crises within the PDP prompted his defection, which he said affected his ability to represent his constituents effectively.
Justice Egwuatu, however, rejected this argument, declaring the defection unconstitutional. He criticized the growing culture of political defections, describing it as “political prostitution” that undermines democracy.
The judge ruled that Gummi automatically forfeited his seat and ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances collected since October 30, 2024.
The lawmaker must submit proof of repayment within 30 days, while ₦500,000 in costs was awarded against him in favour of the PDP.
FURTHER RADING
