The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Monday through a statement released by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who explained that the decision came after a series of consultations with political leaders, elders, party members and supporters across the state.
According to the statement, Governor Lawal carefully considered the political situation before taking the step, noting that the move was in the interest of stability, progress and the overall development of Zamfara State. He stressed that the decision was aimed at creating better opportunities for collaboration with the Federal Government in tackling the state’s pressing challenges.
Anka added that the governor remains committed to addressing key issues affecting the state, particularly security and development. He noted that joining the APC would help strengthen cooperation between the state and the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.
The final decision was reportedly reached after a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau. The meeting was attended by the deputy governor, senior government officials and other important political stakeholders in the state.
Despite leaving the PDP, Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to members of the party for their support over the years. However, he said the current political realities made it necessary for him to move in a different direction.
By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity, improving security and accelerating development in Zamfara State.
Lawal, who is 60 years old, is widely expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections. His defection comes shortly after a ruling by the Court of Appeal which upheld an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
With the governor’s move, the number of state governors on the APC platform has now increased to 31.
