Dauda Lawal
Olamilekan Abayomi
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Malam Mani Mummuni, citing deepening internal crisis within the PDP and the need for unity to address Zamfara’s security and development challenges.
Governor Lawal’s decision to join the APC follows weeks of speculation about his possible move, intensified after the Court of Appeal judgment on the PDP convention in Oyo State. The defection is seen as a boost to the APC’s momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with APC chieftain Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi expressing confidence that Zamfara will deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again in 2027.
The governor’s move is driven by the PDP’s internal crisis, including leadership disagreements and structural challenges, which he believes hinder effective governance and delivery of democratic dividends. By joining the APC, Lawal aims to foster stronger collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle security challenges and expand development opportunities in Zamfara State.
Lawal thanked PDP members for their support over the years and pledged to continue improving unity, security, and development under the APC. His defection brings the total number of APC governors in Nigeria to 31, following Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s recent switch to the party.
The governor’s decision was reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across Zamfara’s 14 local government areas. The consultations aimed to assess the impact of the PDP’s internal disagreements on governance and development in the state.
Mummuni urged supporters and political stakeholders to begin registering with the APC, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to unity, stability, and accelerated development for Zamfara. The APC has opened its e-registration platform, and party members are encouraged to participate.
The defection is expected to open doors to greater collaboration, stability, and development in Zamfara State. Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing policies that promote peace, security, and economic growth.
