Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.
The governor’s media aide Nuhu Anka, who announced this, said the governor joined the APC after consultation with stakeholders in the state.
The statement said Governor Lawal’s move to the APC was “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).
“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.”
He said the governor was committed to security of the state, adding that it has become necessary to “align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
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,” Anka said.
He praised the PDP members for their cooperation, adding that the “present political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party have made it necessary to take this bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara 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.”
Lawal, 60, is one of the few governors who is seeking re-election in the 2027 general polls.
The governor joined the APC after The Monday’s judgement by the Court of Appeal which upheld an earlier ruling of a High Court barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
Lawal’s defection now brings the total number of APC governors now to 31.
