By Nigerian News24 staff
Gusau, Zamfara – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has condemned Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for allegedly using the judiciary to intimidate state lawmakers who formed a parallel legislative assembly.
In a strongly-worded statement issued Sunday by State Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris, the party accused the governor of “judicial harassment” against nine elected members of the State House of Assembly, comprising both APC and PDP members, who sought an alternative legislative structure.
“The governor’s approach is unacceptable,” Idris stated. “Rather than resorting to dialogue, the government is weaponizing the courts to persecute duly elected representatives performing their constitutional duties.” The magistrate court ordered arrests without formal charges or summons.
Ongoing case at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto makes the arrest order premature. Security agencies and national institutions have received petitions about the matter. The governor is allegedly punishing lawmakers for highlighting security failures.
Immediate cessation of “judicial persecution” against the nine lawmakers. Governor Lawal to engage in peaceful dialogue with aggrieved members. Judicial Service Commission to investigate the magistrate’s arrest order.
Protection of legislative independence in Zamfara
“The APC will not tolerate the politicization of judicial offices against public interest,” Idris warned. “While we remain law-abiding, we will resist any attempt to silence critics of the government’s failure to address insecurity.”
The party urged the affected lawmakers to formally petition the Judicial Service Commission regarding the magistrate’s decision, calling it “an abuse of judicial process that must not go unchallenged.”
This development escalates the political crisis in Zamfara, where the parallel assembly emerged following disputes over legislative leadership and growing dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of security challenges.
Political observers suggest the standoff reflects deeper tensions between the PDP-led administration and opposition elements ahead of future elections, with both sides digging in for a prolonged constitutional battle.