Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders and supporters across the state.
According to the statement, the governor took the decision after careful consideration of the prevailing political situation and the need to prioritise stability, progress and sustainable development in the state.
“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the public of an important political development following wide consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders and supporters across the state,” the statement read.
It added that after reviewing the circumstances, Lawal resolved to leave the PDP and formally align with the APC.
Anka explained that the governor’s decision was largely influenced by the lingering internal crises within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
He noted that the party had been grappling with leadership disagreements and structural challenges, which he said had created uncertainty and distractions capable of affecting governance and service delivery.
“These challenges have continued to generate uncertainty and distractions that may hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement added.
The governor, however, assured residents that his administration remained committed to tackling security challenges and advancing development across the North-West state.
Anka said the move to the APC was aimed at aligning with a political platform that would provide greater unity, stability and improved collaboration with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.
He disclosed that the final decision was reached after a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, where senior government officials and key political stakeholders deliberated on the matter under the coordination of the deputy governor.
Lawal also appreciated members of the PDP for their support over the years, noting that prevailing political realities made the defection necessary.
“With this move, the governor reaffirms his commitment to strengthening unity, enhancing security, accelerating development and ensuring that Zamfara State fully benefits from stronger cooperation with the Federal Government,” the statement said.
Lawal, 60, is among the governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
His defection comes shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal on Monday, which upheld an earlier order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
With the latest development, the number of governors under the APC has risen to 31 nationwide.