BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC
In a major political shift in Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who said the decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders, elders and supporters across the state.
According to the statement, the governor’s move was taken after careful deliberations aimed at ensuring political stability, improved governance and sustainable development for the state.
Internal PDP crisis cited
Anka explained that the decision was largely influenced by the ongoing internal challenges within the PDP 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,” the statement said.
He added that the governor decided to align with a political platform that offers greater unity and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.
Key stakeholders consulted
The final decision, according to the statement, followed a high-level meeting held at the Government House Gusau involving senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
The meeting was coordinated by the state’s Deputy Governor alongside other top government functionaries.
Lawal also expressed appreciation to members of the PDP for their support since his emergence as governor but noted that the prevailing political circumstances made the defection necessary.
Implications for national politics
By joining the APC, Lawal pledged to focus on strengthening unity, improving security and accelerating development in the North-West state while deepening cooperation with the federal government.
His defection comes amid fresh tensions within the PDP following a ruling by the Court of Appeal (Nigeria) that upheld an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan.
The move also increases the number of APC governors nationwide to 31, further strengthening the ruling party’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections, where Lawal is expected to seek re-election.
