Dauda Lawal has reportedly resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development was confirmed on Monday by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, in an official statement.
Decision followed wide consultations
According to the statement, the governor’s decision came after extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders, and supporters across Zamfara State.
The statement explained that the move was made after careful consideration of the current political climate and what the governor believes is in the best interest of the state’s stability and development.
“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,” the statement said.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, the Executive Governor, Dauda Lawal, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
PDP crisis cited as major factor
Anka noted that the governor’s decision was influenced largely by the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP.
According to him, leadership disagreements and unresolved structural issues within the party have continued to create uncertainty, which could potentially affect governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara.
The statement added that the governor believes aligning with the APC could also improve cooperation between the state government and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Final meeting held in Gusau
The media aide revealed that the final round of consultations took place at the Zamfara Government House in Gusau.
The meeting was reportedly coordinated by the deputy governor and attended by senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
Anka also commended members of the PDP in the state for their cooperation over the years but said current political realities made the move necessary for the state’s future.
He added that the governor remains committed to strengthening unity, improving security, and accelerating development across Zamfara.
Defection follows court ruling
The development comes shortly after the Court of Appeal of Nigeria upheld a High Court ruling barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
Reports had earlier suggested that Lawal was weighing his political options amid the party’s ongoing leadership crisis and was awaiting the outcome of the appeal court decision before making a final move.
More defections to the APC
Lawal’s defection reportedly raises the number of governors aligned with the APC to 31.
Recently, Ahmadu Fintiri also announced his decision to join the ruling party. Fintiri said he moved alongside members of his cabinet, political appointees, and elected local government chairmen.
He explained that the decision was taken in what he described as the interest of Adamawa State and national unity.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Wesley Bathiya, also resigned from the PDP along with 14 lawmakers, presenting their resignation letters during a plenary session.
The recent wave of defections has continued to reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
