Zamfara Governor Lawal Defects to APC

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Monday left the Peoples Democratic Party and moved to the All Progressives Congress after consultations with political leaders, stakeholders and supporters across the state.

The decision was made public in a statement released by his media aide, Nuhu Anka, who explained that the governor took the step after discussions on the political situation within the state and the country.

According to the statement, the governor reached the decision after meetings with party members, elders and supporters who reviewed the political situation and the future of governance in Zamfara State. The discussions focused on the need to ensure stability in the state and continue development projects that affect residents.

The statement explained that internal problems within the PDP at the national and state levels played a role in the decision. The party has faced leadership disagreements and structural challenges in recent months, which created uncertainty within its ranks.

These issues, according to the statement, were becoming a distraction that could affect the smooth running of government activities in the state.

The governor was said to have concluded that aligning with another political platform would create a more stable environment for governance and strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government.

The move to the APC, the statement added, was seen as a step that could support efforts to improve security and development in Zamfara State.

The final decision was taken during a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital. The meeting involved senior government officials and political stakeholders and was coordinated by the Deputy Governor alongside other leaders within the state administration.

The statement also noted that Governor Lawal appreciated members of the PDP who supported him during his time in the party. However, it explained that the current political circumstances made it necessary for him to move to a new political platform.

Following the defection, the number of governors elected under the All Progressives Congress has increased across the country. Political observers say the development could influence political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, where Governor Lawal is also expected to seek another term in office.

The governor’s decision came shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal earlier on Monday which upheld an earlier judgment that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The judgment is part of the ongoing leadership and legal disputes affecting the party.

With the latest development, political activities in Zamfara State are expected to shift as the governor begins to work within the structure of the ruling party while continuing his administration’s programmes in the North-West state.