Governor Dauda Lawal has officially confirmed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing the move to persistent internal crises within the opposition party.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka.
The development comes shortly after the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mummuni, revealed the decision in a video that quickly circulated online. In the clip, the deputy governor was seen celebrating the political shift alongside members of the state cabinet.
Confirming the defection, Lawal said the decision followed wide consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders and supporters across the state.
According to the governor, lingering disputes and leadership disagreements within the PDP at both national and state levels created a climate of uncertainty that could undermine governance and development efforts in Zamfara.
“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 read.
“After careful consideration and in the overriding interest of stability, progress and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.”
Lawal explained that unresolved structural issues within the PDP had continued to distract from governance, stressing that the political move was aimed at ensuring better service delivery for the people of the state.
He noted that aligning with the ruling party would help strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and improve opportunities for development in the North-West state.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and advancing policies that would promote economic growth and stability in Zamfara.
According to Anka, the final decision was reached after a crucial meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, where the deputy governor, top government officials and political stakeholders reviewed the prevailing political situation in the state.
While appreciating members of the PDP for their support over the years, Lawal said the current political realities made it necessary to take what he described as a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.
“With this decision, the governor remains committed to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development and ensuring Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government,” the statement added.
Lawal’s defection now raises the number of governors under the APC to 31, further consolidating the ruling party’s presence across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Lawal Explains Decision to Leave PDP for APC
