Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Deputy Dump PDP, Defect To APC
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that may further deepen the challenges facing Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor of the state, Mani Malam Mummuni, who said the governor, his political associates and key stakeholders had agreed to leave the PDP after extensive consultations.
Mummuni disclosed this in a video circulating on social media while addressing supporters and political stakeholders in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the deputy governor said the decision followed careful assessment of the current political situation in Zamfara and across the country.
“I greet you all in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad,” he said.
“I am here on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal Dare. After wide consultations and considerations of the current political situation in our state and country, and in the best interest of the people of Zamfara State, to bring development, peace and progress,” he added.
According to him, the governor and his political team concluded that joining the APC would better position the state to pursue development and strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government.
“We, the Governor, his team and I, have decided to officially leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Mummuni said.
He noted that the move would help the state secure more federal support, tackle security challenges and accelerate development projects.
“This decision is taken to align with the direction that will better serve our people, secure more federal support, address security challenges and accelerate development in Zamfara,” he said.
The deputy governor also called on party members and supporters across the state to support the decision in the interest of peace and progress.
“We call on all our supporters, party members and the good people of Zamfara to support this move for the greater good of the state. Thank you, and may Allah guide us all,” he added.
Crisis rocking PDP
The development comes amid deepening internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, which has been grappling with leadership disputes and factional divisions since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.
At the centre of the crisis is a bitter power struggle between camps loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, and Seyi Makinde, one of the influential governors within the party.
The two political heavyweights, who were previously allies in the G5 group of PDP governors, fell apart over disagreements on party leadership, control of the party structure and the direction of the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The crisis escalated after rival factions within the party began holding separate meetings and conventions, each claiming legitimacy and control of the party’s national leadership. The dispute has also led to several legal battles over the legitimacy of party officials and conventions.
At one point, clashes between the rival factions forced security agencies to seal the PDP national secretariat in Abuja following chaotic meetings between the opposing camps.
The prolonged leadership struggle has weakened internal cohesion within the PDP and created uncertainty over the party’s future as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
