The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Friday, overturned the October 30, 2025 ruling of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had removed Abubakar Gummi from his position as a member of 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 because he switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under which he was elected, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Gummi, representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara, had cited internal party crises, particularly at the national leadership level, as reasons for his defection.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi, affirmed that Gummi had the inherent right to leave the PDP given the party’s prevailing internal challenges.
The court also recognised his rationale for seeking 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.
Speaking on the ruling, Gummi noted that the party’s internal crises had made it difficult for him to adequately serve his constituents and ensure they benefited from the dividends of democracy within the bounds of the law.
Appeal Court restores Abubakar Gummi’s seat in House of Reps
