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Governor Cites Prolonged Internal Crises, Seeks Closer Federal Collaboration for Security and Development
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) , in a move that significantly alters the political landscape in the North-West region ahead of future electoral contests.
The announcement was made on Monday by Nuhu Salihu Anka following extensive consultations involving political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.
Why Lawal Left the PDP
In a statement released to the press, Governor Lawal explained that his decision was necessitated by prolonged internal disputes and leadership disagreements within the PDP at both national and state levels.
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He noted that the party’s internal challenges had created uncertainty that could ultimately affect governance and policy implementation in Zamfara State.
According to the governor, his priority remains addressing the severe security concerns that have plagued Zamfara and advancing development initiatives. He said aligning with a platform that offers closer cooperation with the Federal Government would better support those objectives.
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“The party’s unresolved internal issues made this switch necessary,” Lawal was quoted as saying.
Ejes Gist News gathered that final discussions on the move took place at the Government House in Gusau, led by the deputy governor and attended by senior government officials and political stakeholders.
The statement confirmed that the decision followed weeks of deliberations among political leaders and supporters across the state’s 14 local government areas.
Lawal thanked PDP members and supporters for their backing over the years but reiterated that the party’s unresolved internal issues left him with no choice but to seek a new political platform.
What This Means for Zamfara
Governor Lawal emphasized that joining the APC would help strengthen unity, improve security efforts, and expand development initiatives through closer collaboration with federal authorities.
The state government has urged residents and political stakeholders to remain calm and support the transition as Zamfara enters a new political phase.
Political Implications
Lawal’s defection represents a significant boost for the APC in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region. It also deals a substantial blow to the PDP, which loses a sitting governor amid ongoing internal crises.
Political observers note that the move could trigger further realignments as the 2027 general elections approach, with other PDP governors potentially reconsidering their positions within the party.
Key Takeaways
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governor | Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State |
| Defected From | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Defected To | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Primary Reason | Prolonged internal disputes and leadership disagreements in PDP |
| Key Objective | Closer Federal Government collaboration for security and development |
| Announcement Date | Monday, March 2026 |
Ejes Gist News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates on the political implications of Governor Lawal’s defection.
