Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move confirmed on Monday through a statement by his media aide, Nuhu Anka. The decision follows extensive consultations with party leaders, elders, and supporters across Zamfara, aimed at promoting stability, progress, and sustainable development in the state.
Anka explained that the defection was influenced by prolonged internal crises and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both national and state levels. These issues, he said, created uncertainties that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of services to the people of Zamfara. The governor emphasized that aligning with APC would provide greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government.
The statement also highlighted that the final decision was reached during a meeting at the Government House in Gusau, led by the Deputy Governor and senior government officials alongside key political stakeholders. Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to PDP members for their support over the years but noted that the prevailing political environment necessitated the move.
By joining APC, Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara benefits fully from collaboration with the Federal Government. His defection increases the number of APC governors in Nigeria to 31 and comes as he is expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The defection coincides with a Court of Appeal ruling on Monday that upheld a decision restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the PDP national convention outcome held in Ibadan, further shaping the political landscape in Zamfara State.
