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The ranks of governors in the All Progressives Congress (APC) swelled yesterday with the defection of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
The governor, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected on the day the Court of Appeal gave it judgment on the protracted crises in the PDP.
He left with his deputy, members of his Executive Council and lawmakers.
Announcing the decision on behalf of the governor, the Acting Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Mani Mummuni, said Lawal resolved to leave the PDP after extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across the state.
Mummuni explained this at a press conference at the Government House in Gusau.
Before the explanation, the acting governor was seen in viral video along with members of the House of Assembly shouting APC! APC!! APC!!! In an animated manner.
Mummuni told reporters that the decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Rescue Hall in the Government House after a broad engagement process initiated by the governor to assess the political situation in the state and chart a new direction.
According to the Acting Governor, the decision was influenced by the deepening internal crisis within the PDP and the need to build greater unity and consensus in tackling Zamfara’s security and development challenges.
He added that stakeholders overwhelmingly advised the governor to align with the ruling party’s Renewed Hope development agenda in the interest of stability, progress, and the collective development of the state and the nation.
Mummuni, therefore, urged supporters and political stakeholders across the state to commence their registration with the APC as the party opens its e-registration platform to strengthen the progressive movement in Zamfara.
He assured that the decision reflects the governor’s commitment to unity, stability, and accelerated development for the people of Zamfara State and Nigeria.
The governor is on vacation.
With Governor Lawal’s defection, PDP now has only two governors left. These are: Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Muhammed (Bauchi).
A chieftain of the APC in Zamfara, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, welcomed Lawal’s defection to the ruling party.
Shinkafi, a former APC governorship candidate, described the development as a significant and progressive step that would further strengthen the unity, stability, and political influence of the APC in Zamfara State and across Nigeria.
According to Shinkafi, Lawal’s decision demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and collective efforts aimed at advancing the welfare of the people and accelerating development in the state.
He said the APC remains a broad platform that accommodates leaders and stakeholders genuinely committed to good governance, peace, and sustainable development.
Shinkafi called on party members, supporters, and the people of Zamfara State to welcome the governor wholeheartedly and work together in the spirit of unity and progress for the benefit of the state and the nation.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, development, and democratic consolidation in Zamfara.
Shinkafi expressed confidence that the APC would win future elections in Zamfara and deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, as it did in the 2023 poll.
He urged party members to set aside political differences and work for the growth of the party in the state.
Shinkafi also encouraged eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing voter registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and vote massively for the APC in future elections in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
