The Federal High Court in Abuja has decisively removed Abubakar Gummi, the lawmaker representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, from his position. This ruling came after his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the case, declared Gummi’s continued presence in the House of Representatives unconstitutional, citing that he abandoned the party that sponsored his election without a division within the PDP.

Justice Egwuatu consequently issued an order restraining Speaker Tajudeen Abbas from acknowledging Gummi as a member of the House. Furthermore, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a fresh election to fill the now-vacant seat within 30 days of the judgment date. The suit, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was initiated by the PDP and its Zamfara State chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, represented by their counsel, Ibrahim Bawa (SAN).

The plaintiffs contended that, in accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, Gummi automatically forfeited his seat upon defecting to another party in the absence of any internal crisis or division within the PDP. Gummi, in his defense, submitted a notice of preliminary objection and a counter affidavit, arguing that his defection was prompted by “lingering unresolved internal and external crises” within the PDP at both national and constituency levels. He claimed this situation made it impossible for him to effectively represent his constituents and ensure equitable distribution of democratic dividends.

However, Justice Egwuatu dismissed Gummi's arguments and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs. The judge vehemently condemned the increasing trend of political defections, labeling it a betrayal of the electorate's mandate and a form of “political prostitution” that should not be rewarded. He emphasized that politicians must respect the will of the voters and should not transfer votes garnered on one party’s platform to another without relinquishing their original mandate. He stated, “If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorate. Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party.”

As a result of the judgment, Gummi was ordered to automatically lose his seat and was further restrained from receiving any form of remuneration from the federal government. The court also directed him to refund all salaries and allowances earned from October 30, 2024, until the date of the judgment, with evidence of the refund to be filed within 30 days. A cost of ₦500,000 was awarded against the defendants in favor of the plaintiffs. The judgment was delivered on a Thursday, with the certified true copy sighted on Friday, October 31, 2025.