Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka, who said the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the state.
According to the statement, the move was made after discussions with political leaders, elders and supporters in Zamfara.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has decided to formally defect from the PDP to the APC.”
Reasons for the defection
The governor said the decision was influenced by the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP at both national and state levels.
The statement noted that leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges within the party had created uncertainty that could affect governance in Zamfara.
It added that the governor believes aligning with the APC would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and help improve development outcomes in the state.
The final consultation leading to the decision reportedly took place at the Government House in Gusau, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor alongside senior government officials and political stakeholders.
Impact on Nigeria’s political landscape
Lawal’s defection follows a judgment by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria which upheld an earlier ruling barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from validating the PDP national convention held in Ibadan.
The ruling has intensified internal tensions within the opposition party.
The governor, who is 60 years old, is among those expected to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
With his defection, the number of governors under the APC has reportedly risen to 31, strengthening the ruling party’s dominance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Recent political shifts
The development comes shortly after Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State also announced his move to the APC, saying the decision was taken in the interest of development and national unity.
The Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Wesley Bathiya, also resigned from the PDP along with 14 other lawmakers during a plenary session.
What you should know
The defection of Governor Dauda Lawal adds to a growing wave of political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Analysts say the PDP’s internal leadership crisis and recent court rulings are accelerating shifts that could reshape the country’s opposition landscape.
