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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as this further weakens Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The governor’s defection, announced on Monday, was confirmed by the State Deputy Governor, Mani Mummuni, who said Lawal and key members of the state executive council had resolved to join the APC after consultations with political stakeholders in the state.
“Our decision follows extensive consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across Zamfara. We believe aligning with the APC will better position the state for development and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government,” the deputy governor said while announcing the move on behalf of the governor.
Sources within the Zamfara Government House in Gusau said the governor’s cabinet members, several lawmakers and party officials are expected to formally join the APC alongside him in the coming days.
The defection comes amid deepening internal crises within the PDP, particularly after the leadership dispute triggered by the controversial national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
This latest development is another blow to the opposition party, which has been grappling with a wave of defections by governors and lawmakers across the country.
Before the move, Lawal had reportedly held a series of consultations with party leaders and political allies while awaiting the outcome of ongoing legal battles over the PDP’s national leadership.
The governor had earlier hinted that the outcome of the court cases surrounding the PDP leadership would influence his political future.
Lawal was elected governor of Zamfara State in 2023 on the platform of the PDP after defeating incumbent governor Bello Matawalle of the APC.