- Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
- The defection followed extensive consultations with political leaders, elders, and supporters across Zamfara State
- The governor said joining the APC would promote stability, unity, and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government
Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development was confirmed on Monday, March 9, in a statement released by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who explained that the decision followed a series of consultations with political stakeholders, elders and supporters across 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.
“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 to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read.
According to Anka, the governor’s move was largely influenced by the ongoing internal challenges confronting the PDP at both the national and state levels.
“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the 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,” the statement added.
He further stressed that the governor remains committed to tackling the security and developmental needs of the North-West state.
Anka noted that it had become necessary for the governor to “align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
He also disclosed that the decision was finalised after a meeting at the Government House in Gusau involving top government officials and key political figures in the state.
“The final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination and leadership of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders,” the statement said.
Anka added that the governor expressed appreciation to members of the PDP for their support over the years, noting that prevailing political realities made the defection unavoidable.
“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,” it added.
Lawal, who is expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections, made the move shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal on Monday, March 9, upheld an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
With the latest development, the number of governors under the APC has risen to 31 across the country.