A youth group under the banner of the Zamfara APC Integrity Network (ZAIN) has strongly rejected rumours that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a move would harm the party’s credibility and grassroots rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released Monday in Gusau and signed by its President, Comrade Murtala Sani Gummi, ZAIN claimed to have “credible intelligence” that Governor Lawal is making moves to realign with the APC in a bid to secure political relevance amid President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s growing popularity in northern Nigeria.

“We wish to state categorically that Governor Dauda Lawal is not welcome in the APC,” Gummi said. “His administration has failed on multiple fronts, and his defection would only damage our electoral prospects in 2027.”

According to the group, Governor Lawal’s tenure has been marred by growing insecurity, delayed civil servant salaries, and lack of visible infrastructure—issues they believe disqualify him from being welcomed into a party focused on reform and performance.

“While President Tinubu has shown leadership with stabilisation policies and renewed military presence in the North-West, Zamfara under Governor Lawal continues to slide into deeper insecurity and hardship,” the statement read.

ZAIN warned the APC’s national leadership against considering Lawal’s entry into the party, stating it would demoralise committed young party members working to strengthen APC’s grassroots structures across the state’s 14 local government areas.

“Accepting Governor Lawal would send the wrong message to our supporters, particularly youth, who believe in accountability and results,” Gummi added. “APC must not become a fallback option for struggling politicians.”

The group also criticised the recycling of political figures and called for the emergence of fresh, performance-driven candidates who reflect the values of President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Our future lies in supporting credible, competent leaders — not political opportunists,” the statement concluded.

ZAIN reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and expressed confidence in the party’s capacity to win in 2027 through principled leadership and strategic mobilisation.

“Young people are watching. We are organised, mobilised, and committed to ensuring APC’s victory — but not at the cost of our values,” Gummi said.

As of press time, neither Governor Dauda Lawal nor the Zamfara State chapter of the PDP had responded to the allegations.