Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). His switch increases the number of APC governors nationwide to 31.
The development was confirmed on Monday in an official statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, following consultations with political stakeholders across the state.
The statement said the decision came after extensive engagement with party leaders, elders, and supporters in Zamfara. It cited the need to prioritise stability, governance, and long-term development in the state.
It also referenced internal disputes within the PDP at both national and state levels, including leadership disagreements and structural challenges. According to the statement, the situation had created uncertainty capable of affecting governance and service delivery.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving security in the North-West state and said alignment with a platform offering stronger cooperation with the Federal Government had become necessary.
Final deliberations on the defection reportedly took place at the Government House in Gusau. The meeting was led by the Deputy Governor and attended by senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
Lawal expressed appreciation to PDP members for their support, stating that prevailing political conditions made the move necessary for effective governance and the state’s future.
With the transition to the APC, the governor said his administration would focus on unity, security, development, and improved federal collaboration.
The specific political considerations behind the move were not disclosed.
Lawal, 60, is among governors expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The defection follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal which upheld an earlier High Court decision restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the PDP national convention conducted in Ibadan.
Recent political shifts have also been recorded in Adamawa State. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced his move to the APC last week alongside cabinet members, political appointees, and elected local government chairmen.
Fintiri said the decision was taken in the interest of Adamawa residents and national cohesion, stressing the importance of stronger federal alignment to drive development priorities.
In the state legislature, Speaker Wesley Bathiya resigned from the PDP together with 14 lawmakers. The resignations were formally presented during plenary.
