Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that is expected to reshape the political landscape of the North-West state and strengthen the governing party’s hold across Nigeria.
The governor’s defection was announced on Monday in a statement issued by his media aide, Nuhu Anka. According to the statement, the decision followed several consultations with political leaders, elders, and supporters across Zamfara State.
Anka explained that the governor decided to leave the PDP after careful consideration of the political situation within the party at both the state and national levels.
“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.
It added that the governor took the step in what he described as the best interest of 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 the governor’s aide, the decision was largely influenced by the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP.
The opposition party has been struggling with leadership disagreements and unresolved structural issues for some time. These problems have led to divisions within the party and have affected its political activities in several states.
Anka said the prolonged crisis within the party created uncertainty and distractions that could affect governance in Zamfara State.
“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,” he said.
He added that the situation within the party could hinder the government’s ability to deliver development projects and other democratic benefits to the people of the state.
“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.
The governor’s final decision to defect was reportedly taken after a meeting with key political stakeholders at the Government House in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
According to Anka, the meeting involved top government officials and influential political figures 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,” he said.
The consultations, according to the statement, focused on what political direction would best serve the interests of the people of Zamfara State.
Following the meeting, the governor agreed to join the APC in order to work more closely with the Federal Government and strengthen cooperation in addressing the state’s challenges.
Zamfara State has faced serious security challenges for several years, including banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities.
These security problems have affected farming activities, displaced many residents, and slowed economic development in parts of the state.
Anka said Governor Lawal believes that joining the ruling party at the federal level will improve cooperation with the Federal Government in tackling these issues.
He noted that the governor remains committed to addressing the security situation and improving the living conditions of residents.
“It has become necessary 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 said.
According to the statement, the governor sees the move as an opportunity to strengthen development programmes and bring more federal support to the state.
Despite leaving the party, the governor expressed gratitude to members of the PDP in Zamfara for their support during his time in the party.
Anka said the governor acknowledged the contributions of party leaders, members, and supporters who worked with him before the decision to defect.
However, he noted that the current political situation 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.
Zamfara State has been one of the politically active states in northern Nigeria, with strong competition between the APC and the PDP in recent years.
The state has experienced several political realignments since the return of democratic rule in 1999.
Before Governor Lawal’s defection, the PDP controlled the state government while the APC remained a major opposition force within the state.
The governor’s defection also comes at a time when the PDP is facing legal and political challenges at the national level.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
The court decision has added to the leadership disputes already affecting the party.
With Governor Lawal’s move to the APC, the number of governors under the ruling party has increased to 31.
This further strengthens the APC’s political dominance across many states in Nigeria.
The development is expected to have implications for national politics, especially in the build-up to future elections and political alliances.
Although the APC is likely to welcome the governor’s decision, reactions from PDP leaders and supporters are expected in the coming days.
Party officials may also assess the political impact of losing another governor to the ruling party.
For now, attention remains focused on how the change of political affiliation will affect governance in Zamfara State and the broader political environment in Nigeria.
