The speculated defection of Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could take place as early as next week, multiple sources told The Nation.
Lawal and his supporters within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly waiting on the Court of Appeal’s decision on rival faction suits contesting control of the party. The governor aligns with the **Tanimu Turaki-led faction.
Sources also revealed that governors Bala Mohammed (Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) are evaluating their positions amid the PDP leadership crisis. Lawal has reportedly held meetings with top APC officials regarding a potential switch, a move that contributed to the APC’s indefinite postponement of its state, local government, and ward congresses in Zamfara.
The APC explained in a March 2, 2026 memo to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the delay was due to “ongoing consultations and the need to conclude certain preparatory and administrative processes to ensure orderly, transparent, and credible conduct of the congresses in the state.”
If Lawal defects, he will become the 31st governor in the APC fold. Within the past year, the PDP has lost governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Obrevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) to the ruling party.
Meanwhile, tension gripped Ibadan yesterday as hoodlums allegedly attacked the Bodija residence of former Oyo State deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi, coinciding with state, local government, and ward congresses of the pro-Wike Mohammed Abdulrahman faction.
Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, chairman of the faction, confirmed the attacks, reporting that about 10 people were injured and more than 25 vehicles vandalised across Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora (Ibarapa Central), and Akinyele LGAs.
Gbolarumi alleged that the assailants, arriving in about 15 buses, included known members of the Park Management System (PMS), and blamed Governor Makinde for the attacks. He estimated damages at ₦250 million.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade said the police are handling the situation, with Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna ordering the arrest of those involved.
Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, Publicity Secretary of the Mohammed-led PDP faction, emphasized that they would wait for the Appeal Court judgment before addressing further political developments.
The events underscore mounting tensions within the PDP nationwide, highlighting leadership disputes in Zamfara and violent disruptions in Oyo State as rival factions mobilize ahead of planned national congresses.