The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has tightened its political grip on Nigeria’s Northwest region ahead of the 2027 general elections following the defection of Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara State, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Lawal’s move further strengthens the APC’s dominance in the North, leaving only one northern governor outside the ruling party – Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State.
The defection was formally announced on Monday at the Government House in Gusau by the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, who spoke on behalf of the governor.
According to Mummuni, the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across Zamfara State. He said the governor had initiated broad discussions to assess the state’s political direction, which culminated in a stakeholders’ meeting at the Rescue Hall within the Government House.
In addition, the deputy governor explained that the defection was influenced by the deepening internal crisis within the PDP and the need to foster greater political unity to tackle Zamfara’s security challenges and accelerate development in the state.
He added that stakeholders advised Lawal to align with the ruling party and support the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda in the interest of stability and progress.
Mummuni also called on political supporters and stakeholders across the state to begin registering with the APC as the party opens its e-registration platform aimed at expanding its membership base in Zamfara.
He said the governor’s decision reflects a commitment to unity, stability and faster development for the people of the state.
Lawal’s defection follows weeks of speculation about his possible exit from the PDP, which intensified after a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal regarding the party’s convention held in Oyo State.
The development is expected to reshape political alignments in the North as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
