Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Dumps PDP for APC

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Dumps PDP for APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for political stability and improved governance in the state.

The governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders and supporters across the state.

According to the statement, the governor took the decision after carefully reviewing the current political climate within the PDP and its implications for governance in the state.

“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state,” the statement read.

“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The statement attributed the governor’s move largely to the lingering leadership crisis and internal disagreements within the opposition party at both national and state levels.

“These challenges have continued to create uncertainty and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” Anka said.

He also noted that the governor believes aligning with the ruling party at the federal level would enhance collaboration and strengthen efforts to tackle security challenges and accelerate development in the state.

“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government,” the statement added.

The governor’s aide disclosed that the final decision to switch parties was reached after a meeting of key political figures and government officials at the Government House in Gusau, coordinated by the Deputy Governor.

Lawal, 60, is among governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.

His defection comes shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria which upheld an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.

With the development, the number of governors under the APC has risen to 31.

Meanwhile, political realignments have also been recorded in Adamawa State, where Governor Ahmadu Fintiri recently announced his decision to join the ruling party alongside members of his cabinet and local government chairmen.

Similarly, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Wesley Bathiya, and 14 lawmakers also resigned their membership of the PDP during plenary last week.