This comes after the Federal High Court in Abuja sacked him for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in his judgment, restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gumi as a member of the House.
Court Orders INEC To Conduct Fresh Election
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacant seat within 30 days.
Although the judgment was delivered on Thursday, the certified true copy was obtained on Friday.
The case, filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, sought to determine whether it was constitutional for Gumi to retain his seat after defecting to another party without a division in the PDP.
Declare Gumi Seat Vacant
In their suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, the plaintiffs asked the court to declare Gumi’s seat vacant in line with Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
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Through his lawyer, Gumi argued that his defection was prompted by what he described as unresolved internal crises within the PDP at both national and constituency levels. He claimed the situation made it difficult for him to effectively represent his constituents.
Justice Egwuatu, however, dismissed the defence, ruling that defection without a valid division in the sponsoring party remains unconstitutional.
Political Prostitution Must Not Be Tolerated
He criticised politicians who treat defection as routine, describing it as “political prostitution” that undermines voters’ choices.
“If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorate,” the judge stated. “A politician has no right to transfer votes garnered on the platform of one party to another. The law must punish such moves.”
The court declared that Gumi had automatically lost his seat upon defecting to the APC before the expiration of his tenure.
Justice Egwuatu further ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances received from October 30, 2024, to the date of judgment, and to submit proof of repayment within 30 days.
The court also awarded a cost of ₦500,000 against Gumi in favour of the plaintiffs.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
