Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor, Mani Mummuni, on behalf of the governor in a video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES. This development occurred while Governor Lawal was in Saudi Arabia on Lesser Hajj, having handed over acting capacity to his deputy. Subsequently, the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, confirmed the decision, stating it was reached after extensive consultations with political stakeholders and leaders across the state. Salihu Anka, Director General Media and Communications, Government House, Gusau, also confirmed the cabinet’s defection.

According to Mr. Anka, the governor’s exit from the PDP was prompted by “prolonged internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges” within the party at both the national and state levels. He elaborated that “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.”

Governor Lawal emphasized that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State. Therefore, it became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people. This move aligns with the ruling party's renewed hope development agenda, which stakeholders overwhelmingly advised the Governor to embrace.

The final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau, coordinated and led by the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders. Moments after the announcement, the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was symbolically pulled down at the Zamfara State Government House.

His Excellency expressed deep appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their cooperation and support over the years. However, he noted that the present political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party have made it necessary to take this bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State. By joining the APC, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.

The Government, therefore, calls on all citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful, and supportive as the state enters this new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development. The Deputy Governor also urged supporters and political stakeholders across the state to commence their registration with the APC as the party opens its e-registration, with the aim of strengthening the progressive movement in Zamfara. This development in Zamfara follows a similar move in Adamawa State, marking a growing trend of opposition governors migrating to the ruling APC.