Zamfara 2026: Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC Amid Ongoing Party Crisis

In a significant political shift, Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This transition, which was formalized during a high-stakes meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, comes after weeks of intense deliberations and reflects the growing frustrations with the internal strife within the PDP.

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In an official statement released from the Government House, the Governor through the statement cited persistent “internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges” within the PDP as key factors influencing his decision. He described the party’s current state as one of paralysis claiming it hampers effective governance and directly undermines the delivery of essential services to the people of Zamfara.

Governor Lawal indicated that his decision was not made lightly; it followed extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including political leaders, local elders, and constituents from all fourteen local government areas. The feedback gathered during these discussions overwhelmingly pointed to the disruptive nature of the ongoing intra-party conflicts, which many feared were detracting from the urgent work of achieving democratic dividends for the citizens.

The climactic meeting that cemented this historic decision was overseen by the Deputy Governor and included senior government officials alongside key political stakeholders at the Government House. This gathering achieved a unanimous consensus to pivot en masse towards the APC, which they believe will facilitate improved collaboration with the Federal Government and expedite necessary development efforts within the state.

In his remarks following the announcement, Governor Lawal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members and supporters of the PDP for their contributions and commitment over the years. However, he emphasized that his foremost responsibility as Governor lies in ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development for the people of Zamfara. The Governor passionately articulated that the current political landscape, marked by unresolved disputes within his former party, compelled him to take decisive action for the greater good.

By aligning with the APC, Lawal reaffirmed his dedication to fostering unity among the state’s diverse communities, enhancing security measures, and ensuring that Zamfara State fully capitalizes on the opportunities afforded by stronger ties with the Federal Government. He articulated a vision to dismantle the barriers that have historically separated Gusau from Abuja, thus accelerating the flow of resources and support crucial for tackling the pressing security and economic challenges facing the state.

In light of this transition, the Governor has urged all citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to maintain an atmosphere of calm, peace, and solidarity. He is optimistic that this new political chapter will yield greater unity, stability, and a renewed focus on developmental goals for Zamfara State.