Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that could further intensify the challenges facing Nigeria’s main opposition party.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, who disclosed that the governor, his political associates and key stakeholders decided to leave the PDP after extensive consultations.

Mummuni made the disclosure in a video circulating on social media while addressing supporters and political stakeholders in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, he explained that the decision followed a careful assessment of the political situation in Zamfara and the country at large.

“I greet you all in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad,” he said.

“I am here on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare. After wide consultations and consideration of the political situation in our state and the country, and in the best interest of the people of Zamfara State to bring development, peace and progress,” he added.

According to him, the governor and his political team concluded that joining the APC would better position the state to pursue development and strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government.

“We, the governor, his team and I, have decided to officially leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mummuni stated.

He noted that the move would enable the state to attract greater federal support, tackle security challenges and accelerate development projects.

“This decision is taken to align with the direction that will better serve our people, secure more federal support, address security challenges and accelerate development in Zamfara,” he said.

The deputy governor also appealed to party members and supporters across the state to support the move in the interest of peace and progress.

“We call on all our supporters, party members and the good people of Zamfara to support this decision for the greater good of the state. May Allah guide us all,” he added.

PDP Crisis Deepens

The defection comes amid an ongoing crisis within the PDP, which has been grappling with internal disputes and factional divisions since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.

The crisis has largely revolved around rival political camps associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.

Both leaders, once allies in the G5 group of PDP governors, reportedly fell out over disagreements regarding party leadership, control of party structures and the direction of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The conflict escalated after rival factions began organising separate meetings and conventions, each claiming legitimacy over the party’s national leadership.

At one point, tensions between the camps led security agencies to seal the PDP national secretariat in Abuja following chaotic meetings by opposing factions.

Political observers say the prolonged leadership struggle has weakened internal cohesion within the PDP and raised fresh concerns about the party’s ability to remain a strong opposition platform in Nigeria.