Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal defects from PDP to APC with deputy, cabinet, and LG chairmen, citing stability and security concerns ahead of 2027 elections.
A major political shift has occurred in Zamfara State as Governor Dauda Lawal has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), taking along key members of his administration.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mummuni, who spoke on behalf of the governor. According to him, the decision was taken collectively by the governor, his deputy, members of the state executive council, political appointees, and local government chairmen.
Governor Lawal, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), reportedly endorsed the move as part of a broader political realignment in the state.
The defection comes amid ongoing internal challenges within the PDP at the national level. Political observers say the crisis deepened following a recent Court of Appeal ruling that invalidated the party’s national convention, triggering uncertainty within the opposition party.
With the latest development, the APC’s political influence across Nigeria continues to expand. The ruling party now controls 31 out of the country’s 36 states, strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Officials close to the Zamfara government explained that the switch to the APC was driven by the need to enhance political stability and strengthen collaboration with the federal government. They argued that closer ties with the center would help the state better address its persistent security challenges, particularly banditry and rural violence that have affected several communities.
They also emphasized that the move was aimed at accelerating development and ensuring more effective governance for the people of Zamfara State.
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Political analysts believe the decision could reshape the political landscape in the North-West region as parties begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle.