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By Lawrence Agbo
Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has joined the All Progressives Congress after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.
With this development, there are now 31 APC governors nationwide.
The governor’s media assistant, Nuhu Anka, confirmed the development on Monday in a statement, stating that the defection came after his principal’s interactions with party leaders, elders, and supporters in the state.
“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read.
Anka claims that the PDP’s internal problems at the federal and state levels had an impact on the governor’s choice.
“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the 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,” the statement added.
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He also pointed out the governor’s continued dedication to meeting the North-Western state’s security and development needs.
Anka stated that it was now essential for the governor to “align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
He revealed that senior government officials and important state political players met at Government House in Gusau to make the ultimate decision.
“The final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination and leadership of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders,” the statement said.
According to him, the governor also thanked PDP members for their support over the years, pointing out that the current political situation necessitated the action.
“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government,” it added.
Among the governors expected to run for reelection in the general elections of 2027 is Lawal.
His defection follows a Court of Appeal verdict on Monday that maintained a previous decision prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission from acknowledging the results of the PDP national convention in Ibadan.
