Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has 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 defection followed his principal’s engagements with party leaders, elders, and supporters in the state.
“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.
“After careful consideration, and 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 to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read.
According to Anka, the governor’s decision was influenced by internal challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
“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,” the statement added.
He further emphasised that the governor remains committed to addressing the security and development needs of the North-Western state.
Anka said it had become necessary for the governor to “align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
He disclosed that the final decision followed a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau involving top government officials and key political stakeholders in the state.
“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,” the statement said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to members of the PDP for their support over the years, noting that prevailing political circumstances made the move 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.
Lawal is among the governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
His defection comes shortly after a Court of Appeal judgment on Monday, which upheld an earlier ruling restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
The development increases the number of APC governors across the country to 31.
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