By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi, the lawmaker representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the court restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as a member of the House.
Justice Egwuatu also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacant seat within 30 days from the date of the judgment.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, who challenged Gummi’s defection.
They argued that his move to the APC was unconstitutional since there was no division within the PDP to justify his defection, as required by Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In his defence, Gummi claimed that he left the PDP due to internal crises at both the national and constituency levels, which he said hindered his ability to represent his constituents effectively.
However, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the argument, holding that the Constitution is clear on the consequences of defection.
He granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
Consequently, the court declared Gummi’s seat vacant and ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances he had received since October 30, 2024 and to submit evidence of the refund to the court within 30 days.
Justice Egwuatu further awarded a cost of ₦500,000 against Gummi in favour of the plaintiffs.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
