Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming the 31st governor under the ruling party.
The governor’s media aide Nuhu Anka confirmed the defection in a statement on Monday, saying the decision followed consultations with political stakeholders in 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 read.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding 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).
“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the 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.”
According to Anka, the governor remains committed to improving security in the North West state and believes the move will strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government.
He said the “final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination and leadership of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders.”
Anka also thanked members of the PDP for their support, saying current political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party made the decision necessary.
“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.”
Lawal, 60, is among governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general election.
His defection comes after a ruling by the Court of Appeal on Monday which upheld an earlier High Court judgement barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
With Lawal’s move, the number of governors in the APC rises to 31.
Last week, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State also announced his decision to join the ruling party. He said he moved with his cabinet members, political appointees and elected local government chairmen in the interest of the state and national unity.
Following the latest development, Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) are the only two serving governors on the platform of the PDP which was Nigeria’s ruling party from 1999 to 2015.
Other governors not in the APC are Ademola Adeleke (Osun) of the Accord Party, Alex Otti (Abia) of the Labour Party and Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
