Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, 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 decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, elders, and supporters across 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,” the statement said.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.”
According to Anka, the governor’s decision was influenced by the internal challenges currently affecting 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,” the statement added.
He noted that the persistent disputes within the party had created uncertainty capable of distracting from governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of the state.
The governor, however, reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the security and development challenges facing the North-Western state.
Anka said the defection became necessary for Lawal 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 senior 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.
Lawal also expressed appreciation to members of the PDP for their support over the years, noting that prevailing political realities 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.
The defection comes shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal on Monday which upheld an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
Lawal, who is among governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections, becomes one of the latest opposition governors to join the ruling party.
His defection increases the number of APC governors across the country to 31.
