Why I left PDP – Dauda, Zamfara gov
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Leaves PDP for APC Amid Legal Disputes
By Clifford Ndujihe
ZAMFARA, Nigeria — Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau on Monday.
The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Mallam Mani Mummuni. In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, indicated that the decision came after extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was driven by ongoing crises and legal challenges within the PDP.
“Yesterday, Governor Dauda Lawal officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a decision reached and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State,” Idris stated.
Lawal had previously expressed his commitment to the PDP, attempting to mediate between the party’s conflicting factions. According to Idris, repeated efforts at reconciliation and out-of-court settlements were unsuccessful, resulting in legal battles that could undermine the party’s prospects in future elections, specifically in 2027.
“Efforts to achieve peace proved difficult, leading to a series of legal disputes that may have future implications for leaders contesting elections in 2027,” he said.
The spokesperson highlighted that Lawal was the last PDP governor seeking re-election to remain loyal to the party during this tumultuous period. “He was the only governor seeking a second term who hoped party leaders would take appropriate action,” he added.
Lawal had communicated to stakeholders that he would make a final decision following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal. On Monday, the court dismissed an appeal by the PDP concerning a previous decision that had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan.
Idris concluded that the appellate court’s ruling marked the end of Lawal’s tenure with the PDP, as the governor chose to join the APC to prioritize the interests of Zamfara State and advance the state’s ongoing “Rescue and Rebuild” mission.
