Appeal Court overturns ruling that removed Abubakar Gummi from House of Reps, affirming his right to switch from PDP to APC

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the October 30, 2025 ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, which had removed Abubakar Gummi from the House of Representatives.

In a unanimous decision, a three-member appellate panel ruled that the trial court erred in declaring Gummi’s seat vacant solely due to his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Gummi, representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara, cited internal party crises, particularly at the national leadership level, as his reason for switching parties.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi affirmed that Gummi had the inherent right to leave the PDP given its internal challenges.

The court recognised his need for a platform that would allow him to effectively represent his constituents without undue interference.

The appellate court upheld Gummi’s appeal (CA/ABJ/CV/1606/2025), set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling in the suit filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki (FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024), and awarded N1 million in costs against the PDP and Jibomagayaki in favour of Gummi.

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Gummi commented that the party’s internal crises had hindered his ability to serve his constituents effectively and ensure they benefited from the dividends of democracy within the law.