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• Defection’ll foster unity, stability in state –Shinkafi
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The wave of defection into the All Progressives Congress (APC) continued yesterday with the pulling down of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag at the Zamfara State Government House, Gusau.
This followed the mass movement of the Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni and other state functionaries into the APC.
Governor Dauda Lawal is away in Saudi Arabia on Lesser Hajj while Mummuni governs the state in acting capacity.
When contacted over the defection, Alhaji Nuhu Salihu-Anka, director-general, Media and Communication, Office of the Governor, confirmed that the cabinet of Governor Lawal had defected.
“The government and the APC family in 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, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Salihu-Anka said Lawal’s 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.
“The governor emphasised that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security and development of Zamfara.
“Consequently, it became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.
“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.”
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Salihu-Anka added that Lawal expressed deep appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their cooperation and support over the years.
“However, he noted that the present political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party have made it necessary to take this bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara.
“By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development and ensuring that Zamfara benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.
“The government, therefore, calls on all citizens, political leaders, party supporters and stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and supportive as the state enters this new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability and development,” he said.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC and former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Sani Shinkafi has said the defection of Governor Lawal would foster unity and stability.
Shinkafi, in a statement, yesterday, said Governor Lawal’s decision to join the ruling party demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and collective efforts aimed at advancing the welfare of the people and accelerating development in the state.
He emphasised that the APC remains a broad platform that accommodates leaders and stakeholders who are genuinely committed to good governance, peace and sustainable development.
He called on party members, supporters and the good people of Zamfara State to welcome the Governor wholeheartedly and work together in the spirit of unity and progress for the benefit of the state and the nation at large.
He reaffirmed his continued commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, development and democratic consolidation in Zamfara State.
He expressed confidence that the APC would win forthcoming elections in Zamfara State and deliver President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as it did in the 2023 presidential poll.
He urged party members to set aside their political differences and work for the growth of the party in the state.
He enjoined eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing voter registration and obtain their permanent voters cards and vote massively for the APC in all elections for continuity of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that has laid foundations for economic prosperity, national security and unity.
