Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal defects from PDP to APC, citing party crisis and internal divisions
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the recent Court of Appeal judgment on the PDP crisis as decisive.
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Speaking through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, Lawal explained that despite years of efforts to reconcile the party’s factions and promote unity, prolonged legal battles and internal divisions made it increasingly difficult to remain in the PDP.
“Joining the All Progressives Congress was a decision made by stakeholders in Zamfara State amid the ongoing legal challenges faced by the Peoples Democratic Party,” Idris stated.
Lawal, described as “the last man standing” among governors seeking a second term in the PDP, had repeatedly sought to mediate disputes within the party. However, the appellate court’s decision on the national convention ultimately prompted his defection.
“The appellate judgment ended Governor Dauda Lawal’s stay in the Peoples Democratic Party, as he prioritised the interests of Zamfara State. He joined the APC to sustain the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission,” Idris added.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently upheld the Federal High Court’s ruling restraining the PDP from holding its national convention, dismissing an appeal filed by the faction led by Taminu Turaki.
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The court also awarded N2 million in costs against Turaki and his faction, who have indicated plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Lawal’s defection is seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 elections, aligning the governor with the ruling party while consolidating his state-level initiatives.
