“PDP Crisis Forced My Decision” — Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects To APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming the 31st governor under the ruling party.

The development was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who said the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the state.

According to the statement, the move was taken after careful consideration of the political situation within the PDP.

“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal… has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” the statement read.

Anka explained that the governor’s decision was influenced by prolonged internal crises, 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 added.

The media aide said the governor believes joining the APC will strengthen collaboration between Zamfara State and the Federal Government, particularly in addressing security challenges in the North-West region.

He also revealed that the final decision was reached during a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, involving the deputy governor, senior government officials, and key political stakeholders.

Despite leaving the PDP, Anka thanked members of the party for their support over the years, noting that the current political realities made the decision necessary.

“With this move, the governor reaffirms his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government,” he said.

Governor Lawal, 60, is among the governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general election.

His defection comes shortly after a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld an earlier High Court judgment barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.

The move further weakens the PDP’s control of state governments.

With Lawal’s defection, the APC now controls 31 state governments.

Following recent developments, Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) remain the only serving governors elected under the PDP platform.

Other governors outside the APC include Ademola Adeleke (Osun) of the Accord Party, Alex Otti (Abia) of the Labour Party, and Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).