BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects to APC
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was confirmed on Monday in a statement by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who said Lawal’s decision followed consultations with party leaders, 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. After careful consideration and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development, Governor Dauda Lawal has decided to defect from the PDP to the APC,” the statement read.
Anka noted that internal crises within the PDP at both national and state levels influenced the move. “Prolonged internal disputes, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges have created uncertainty that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” he said.
The statement added that the governor remained focused on addressing the state’s security and development needs.
Aligning with the APC, Anka explained, will provide “greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
Lawal’s decision followed a meeting at the Government House in Gusau involving the Deputy Governor, senior officials, and key political stakeholders.
He also expressed gratitude to PDP members for their support over the years, emphasising that the prevailing political circumstances made the defection necessary.
“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 60-year-old governor, who is expected to seek re-election in 2027, made the move shortly after a Court of Appeal ruling upheld an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention in Ibadan.
Lawal’s defection raises the number of APC governors nationwide to 31.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
