Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the PDP to the APC after extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal Defects to APC
In a surprising political development, Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was confirmed on Monday by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who stated that the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders, and supporters across the state.
According to him, the governor’s move was made after careful deliberation over the political situation affecting the state.
Decision Reached After Wide Political Consultations
In the official statement, the governor’s camp explained that the defection was driven by the need to ensure stability and sustainable development in Zamfara.
The statement noted that discussions were held with key leaders and party members before the final decision was made.
“After careful consideration and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read.
PDP Internal Crisis Influenced the Move
The governor’s spokesperson revealed that the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP played a major role in the decision.
According to Anka, persistent leadership disputes and unresolved structural challenges within the party have created uncertainty that could hinder governance.
He explained that aligning with the APC could improve collaboration with the Federal Government and help accelerate development projects in the state.
Final Decision Reached at Government House in Gusau
Before the announcement, a crucial meeting reportedly took place at the Zamfara Government House in Gusau.
The meeting, coordinated by the deputy governor, brought together top government officials and influential political stakeholders who deliberated on the state’s political direction.
Anka appreciated members of the PDP in Zamfara for their support over the years but emphasized that the new political reality required a strategic shift.
He added that Governor Lawal remains committed to strengthening unity, improving security, and driving development across the state.
Defection Follows Court Ruling on PDP Convention
The political shift comes shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria upheld an earlier decision preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
Political observers had earlier speculated that Lawal was weighing his options amid the PDP’s leadership crisis, awaiting the outcome of the court ruling before making his final move.
More Governors Aligning with APC
Governor Lawal’s defection further strengthens the APC’s political dominance, bringing the number of governors under the ruling party to 31.
Recently, Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, also announced his defection to the APC alongside members of his cabinet and several political appointees.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Wesley Bathiya, resigned from the PDP together with 14 lawmakers during a plenary session.
Analysts believe these recent defections could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
