A member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The lawmaker, representing Mafara North constituency, announced his defection on Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 proposed budget by Governor Dauda Lawal.
In a letter addressed to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government, Basko cited deepening crises and poor leadership within the APC at both local government and state levels as reasons for his defection.
He stated that the endless crisis had hindered effective participation and that he decided to step away to pursue commitments that align more closely with his political convictions and the development aspirations of the people he represents.
Basko’s defection is seen as a significant blow to the APC and former Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari’s plummeting political influence in Zamfara state.
Yari had contested to be Senate President of the 10th Senate but was defeated by Senator Godswill Akpabio.
