Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly who represents the seat of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Speaker publicly declared his defection on Thursday while Governor Dauda Lawal presented the projected budget for 2026.
According to reports, Hassan, who represents Mafara North, is the most recent supporter of Senator Abdulaziz Yari to leave the APC amid escalating internal problems.
Since losing the race for Senate President to Senator Godswill Akpabio two years ago, Yari, a former state governor, has seen his power diminish.
The action diminishes Yari’s hold on the party hierarchy and exacerbates the divisions within the Zamfara APC. Hassan claimed that “deepening crises and poor leadership” at the local and state levels were the reasons he quit the party.
The congressman bemoaned that ongoing differences had prevented effective involvement in a letter headed “Resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC)” that was sent to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area, on December 3, 2025.
“I have decided to step away from active participation in the party after careful reflection of activities, crisis, divisions, and sidelined and poor leadership of the party from local government and the state levels,” the letter said.
Hassan went on to say that his choice was motivated by a desire to pursue “commitments that align more closely” with his political views and the demands of his community in terms of development.
Despite being challenging, the congressman claimed that his resignation was essential for the advancement of the people he represents. He conveyed his appreciation for the experiences he gained while serving in the ruling party.
Noting that copies of the letter had been sent to the chairman of the Talata Mafara Local Government and the Zamfara State APC, Basko advised the ward leadership to take it as his official notice of leaving the APC.
A copy of the letter of resignation is shown below.
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