JUST IN: Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal dumps PDP, joins APC
Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.
He said the decision came after wide consultations with political stakeholders across Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the move followed discussions with political leaders, elders, and supporters in the state who considered the current political situation.
Decision After Consultations
The statement explained that the decision was taken after careful consideration and in the interest of stability and development in the state.
It said the governor consulted widely with stakeholders before making the final move.
“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 over riding 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 (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
PDP Crisis Cited as Reason
Anka said the governor’s decision was influenced by the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP.
According to him, leadership disagreements and unresolved structural issues within the party have continued to create uncertainty.
He added that the situation could affect governance and the delivery of democratic benefits to the people of Zamfara State.
The statement also noted that the governor believes joining the APC will improve cooperation with the Federal Government.
Final Meeting Held in Gusau
Anka disclosed that the final discussions before the decision took place at the Zamfara Government House in Gusau.
He said the meeting was coordinated by the Deputy Governor and attended by senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
The media aide praised PDP members for their cooperation but said current political realities made the move necessary for the future of the state.
He added that the governor remains committed to strengthening unity, improving security, and accelerating development in Zamfara.
Defection Comes After Court Ruling
The development comes shortly after the Court of Appeal of Nigeria upheld a ruling of a High Court that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
Reports had earlier suggested that Lawal was considering his political options due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.
The governor was said to be waiting for the outcome of the Appeal Court ruling before making a final decision.
More Defections to APC
Lawal’s defection increases the number of governors under the APC to 31.
Recently, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, also announced his decision to join the ruling party.
Fintiri said he moved alongside his cabinet members, appointees, and elected local government chairmen.
He explained that the decision was taken in 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 during a plenary session, presenting their letters of resignation.