By Adesakin Adefemi
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Malam Mani Mummuni, who stated that the decision followed extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across the state.
According to Mummuni, the defection was driven by the deepening internal crisis within the PDP and the need to build stronger unity to address Zamfara’s security and development challenges.
The governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, confirmed that the move was endorsed during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau.
The defection is seen as a strategic effort to align Zamfara State more closely with the federal government, potentially securing more federal support for infrastructure and social programs.
With Lawal’s exit, the PDP’s influence in the Northwest continues to wane, while the APC strengthens its position ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The governor’s decision has been linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, particularly after the Court of Appeal judgment on the PDP convention in Oyo State. Lawal’s move increases the number of APC governors in Nigeria to 31, further consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s influence.
Mummuni urged supporters and political stakeholders across Zamfara to begin registering with the APC, as the party opens its e-registration platform to strengthen its membership base in the state. The deputy governor assured that the decision reflects the governor’s commitment to unity, stability, and accelerated development for the people of Zamfara.
The defection has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some praising the governor’s decision as a bold move to prioritize the interests of Zamfara State. Others, however, have expressed concerns about the implications of the defection for the PDP and the state’s political landscape.
The APC has welcomed Lawal’s defection, with party officials expressing optimism about the potential for increased support and cooperation from the governor. The party has also begun preparations to welcome new members and strengthen its structure in Zamfara State.
The PDP, on the other hand, is facing a challenging situation, with Lawal’s defection seen as a significant blow to the party’s efforts to maintain its influence in the state. The party’s leadership is expected to face pressure to respond to the defection and address the internal crisis that led to Lawal’s exit.
The defection is likely to have significant implications for the political landscape in Zamfara State, with potential repercussions for the PDP and the APC in the state.
