Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC Amid Deepening Opposition Crisis
By ThankGod Inalegwu
Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could further weaken Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The announcement was made by the state’s Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, in a video circulating on social media where he addressed supporters and political stakeholders in the state on behalf of the governor.
Mummuni said the decision followed extensive consultations with political allies and stakeholders, as well as a careful assessment of the prevailing political situation both 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,” the deputy governor said while addressing supporters.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, he explained that the move was taken in the best interest of the people of Zamfara State and aimed at fostering development, peace and progress in the state.
“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, we have decided to move,” he said.
According to him, the governor, his political team and key stakeholders concluded that joining the ruling APC would better position the state to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and attract greater support for development initiatives.
“We, the Governor, his team and I, have decided to officially leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mummuni declared.
He further noted that the decision would enable the state government to secure increased federal support, tackle lingering security challenges and accelerate critical development projects across Zamfara.
“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 added.
The deputy governor also called on party members, supporters and residents of the state to support the decision, describing it as a step taken for the greater good of Zamfara.
“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 said.
PDP Crisis Deepens
The defection comes at a time when the PDP has been grappling with deep internal divisions and leadership disputes following the 2023 general elections.
At the centre of the crisis is a fierce power struggle between factions loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, and those aligned with Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State.
The two political figures, who were previously allies within the influential G5 bloc of PDP governors, have since fallen out over disagreements regarding the party’s leadership structure, control of party machinery and the strategic direction of the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The dispute has led to rival meetings and conventions organised by competing factions within the party, each claiming legitimacy over the party’s national leadership.
At one point, tensions escalated to the extent that security agencies were forced to seal the PDP national secretariat in Abuja after chaotic confrontations between rival camps.
Political observers say the prolonged crisis has weakened internal cohesion within the PDP and raised concerns about the party’s ability to maintain its position as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
The defection of Governor Lawal, if formally completed with his supporters and political structure, could further shift the political balance in Zamfara State and add to the challenges facing the opposition party ahead of future elections.