BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal dumps PDP for APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Confirming the development on Monday, the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, said the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the state.

“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.

According to the statement, the governor decided to leave the PDP after careful consideration in what was described as the “overriding interest of stability, progress and sustainable development of Zamfara State.”

Anka explained that the decision was influenced by the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both national and state levels.

“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,” he said.

The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling security challenges in the North-West state, noting that it had become necessary to align with a political platform that offers greater unity and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government.

According to Anka, the final deliberations leading to the decision were held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders.

He added that by joining the APC, the governor aims to strengthen unity, improve security, accelerate development and ensure closer collaboration with the Federal Government.

Lawal’s defection follows Monday’s judgment by the Court of Appeal which upheld an earlier ruling barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.

The development increases the number of APC governors to 31.

It also comes days after Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, announced his decision to join the ruling party alongside members of his cabinet and political allies.