The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for greater political stability and improved cooperation with the Federal Government.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Director General of Media and Communication in the Governor’s Office, Nuhu Salihu Anka, on behalf of the Zamfara State Government.
According to the statement, the governor’s defection followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders, party leaders, and supporters across the state.
The government said the move was taken after careful consideration and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development in the state.
The statement noted that the decision was also influenced by the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
“These challenges have continued to create uncertainty and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement said.
Governor Lawal was quoted as saying that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of the state, adding that aligning with a platform that offers stronger unity and cooperation with the Federal Government would better support the state’s development agenda.
The statement disclosed that the final deliberations leading to the governor’s defection were held at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
While announcing his departure from the PDP, the governor expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the party for their cooperation and support over the years.
However, he said prevailing political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party made it necessary for him to take what he described as a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from enhanced collaboration with the Federal Government.
The state government called on citizens, political leaders, and supporters across the state to remain calm and peaceful as the state enters what it described as a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development.
