Nigeria: Zamfara Gov Defects to APC

Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has dumped the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

A statement from the Senior Special Assistant (Media), Office of the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Suleman Ahmad Tudu, said the Governor was leaving the PDP due to 'the irreconcilable PDP's internal crisis.'

He said the decision was reached during a stakeholders' meeting chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, on Monday in the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau.

It read: "In January, Governor Lawal launched a state-wide stakeholders engagement under a committee led by an elder statesman, Alhaji Salihu Mai Buhu Gummi, to chart the state's next political course amidst PDP's deepening crisis and INEC's looming timelines for the 2027 general elections.

"Majority of the stakeholders advised the Governor to join APC, citing the need for unity in bringing development to the state.

"Following your inputs and careful consideration, including the need for elite consensus towards addressing the state's security challenges, His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has decided to join APC," the Deputy Governor announced on behalf of Governor Lawal.

He said, "From now onward, we become members of APC. And by this declaration therefore , you are hereby directed to resign your PDP membership immediately.

"E-registration for APC will reopen tomorrow. I urge you to go and register as we target 400,000 additional progressive members in the next 17 days in the state," he added.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, pledged the state government's backing, saying executive members and political appointees are in total agreement with Governor Lawal's decision to join APC.

The statement indicated that Governor Lawal thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve as its governorship flag bearer in 2023, saying that he worked hard to reconcile the party, but efforts were unsuccessful.

He further expressed gratitude to the people of Zamfara state for their support and goodwill, assuring that the rescue agenda will remain on track despite party switch.

Read the original article on Daily Trust.