By Boluwatife Oshadiya | March 10, 2026
Key Points
- Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal formally defects from PDP to APC after weeks of speculation
- Decision follows consultations with political stakeholders citing PDP internal crisis
- Governor says move will strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government
Main Story
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of speculation over his political future.
The announcement was made Monday in Gusau by Alhaji Nuhu Salihu-Anka, Director-General of Media and Communication in the Office of the Governor.
According to the statement, the governor’s decision followed “extensive consultations” with political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state, as well as deliberations within the state government leadership.
Salihu-Anka said the move was driven largely by internal disputes within the PDP at both national and state levels, including leadership disagreements and structural challenges that had created uncertainty around governance.
The spokesperson added that the governor concluded that aligning with the APC would provide a more stable political platform and enhance cooperation with the Federal Government on development and security initiatives in Zamfara.
The final decision was reportedly taken after a meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, coordinated by the Deputy Governor and attended by senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
Zamfara has faced persistent security challenges linked to banditry and rural violence, making federal-state coordination a major policy priority for the state government.
What’s Being Said
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development of Zamfara State, the governor has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” said Nuhu Salihu-Anka, Director-General of Media and Communication, Office of the Governor.
“The governor’s primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State, and aligning with a platform that ensures greater unity and cooperation with the Federal Government became necessary,” he added.
What’s Next
- APC leadership in Zamfara is expected to formally welcome the governor during a party event later this week.
- Political analysts expect potential shifts in the state assembly and local party structures following the defection.
- National PDP leadership may respond to the move as the party prepares for upcoming political alignments ahead of future elections.
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