Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following what he described as extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by Nuhu Salihu Anka, who said the decision came after engagements with political leaders, elders and supporters throughout Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the governor said the move was taken in the interest of stability, progress and sustainable development for the state.
Lawal explained that his decision was largely influenced by the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disputes and structural challenges currently affecting the PDP at both national and state levels.
He noted that the unresolved issues within the party had continued to create uncertainty and distractions capable of hindering effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to residents of Zamfara.
The governor emphasized that his primary responsibility remains ensuring peace, security and development across the state. He added that aligning with a political platform that offers greater unity and improved cooperation with the Federal Government became necessary to achieve those goals.
The statement further revealed that the final deliberation on the defection took place at the Government House in Gusau. The meeting was coordinated by the Deputy Governor alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders in the state.
While expressing appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their support over the years, Lawal said prevailing political realities and unresolved internal disputes within the party made the decision inevitable.
By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security and accelerating development across Zamfara State. He also stressed the importance of closer collaboration with the Federal Government to deliver more benefits to the people.
The state government urged residents, political leaders and other stakeholders to remain calm and support the transition as Zamfara enters what it described as a new political phase focused on unity, stability and development.