The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has confirmed his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The confirmation was given in a statement on Monday by the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka.
As earlier reported by Naija News, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mummuni, announced the defection on behalf of Governor Lawal in a video which has gone viral on the internet.
In the video, Deputy Governor Mummuni was seen praising the APC while jubilating with other members of the cabinet following the move to the ruling party.
Confirming the development, Governor Lawal, in a statement by his media aide, said the decision was taken after due consultation with stakeholders in the state.
Governor Lawal also blamed the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
He added that he dumped the PDP for the APC in the overall interest of Zamfara and for the sake of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of the state.
The Governor called for understanding and support from the people over the political decision.
“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.
“After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of 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 read.
He also reiterated the governor’s commitment to securing the North-Western state, arguing that it has become necessary to “align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
According to Anka, the “final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination and leadership of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders.”
He commended members of the PDP for their cooperation, adding that the “present political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party have made it necessary to take this bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.
“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.”
Lawal’s defection now brings the total number of APC governors to 31.