The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi from his position as member of the House of Representatives for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in his ruling, restrained the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, from recognising Gummi as the representative of Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State. He also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that although the judgment was delivered on Thursday, the certified true copy was sighted on Friday.
The suit, filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, argued that Gummi’s defection was unconstitutional since there was no division in the PDP. Gummi, however, claimed he left due to internal crises in the party.
Justice Egwuatu dismissed his defence, describing defection as “political prostitution” and stressing that politicians should not transfer votes earned under one party to another.
The court also ordered Gummi to refund all salaries and allowances collected from October 30, 2024, until the date of judgment and submit proof of repayment within 30 days.
Additionally, a fine of N500,000 was awarded in favour of the PDP and its state chairman.
