From PDP to APC: Dauda Lawal Explains His Political Realignment

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has explained the reasons behind his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the prolonged internal crisis and legal disputes within the opposition party. The governor said the persistent disagreements and court battles within the PDP made it increasingly difficult for the party to maintain unity and effectively prepare for future elections.

The announcement of the governor’s defection was made on Monday at the Government House in Gusau by the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni, following a meeting with political stakeholders. According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the move was taken after extensive consultations and was considered necessary in the broader interest of Zamfara State.

Stakeholder Consultations and Decision to Join APC

The governor’s spokesperson stated that the decision to defect to the APC came after weeks of consultations with key political stakeholders across the state. The consultations reportedly reflected widespread concerns about the lingering legal challenges within the PDP and the potential consequences for the party’s future electoral prospects.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal’s decision was endorsed by relevant political leaders and stakeholders in Zamfara State. The spokesman emphasised that the governor had informed them earlier that he would take a final decision only after the conclusion of a critical court ruling concerning the PDP’s internal disputes.

Idris noted that the governor had remained committed to the PDP for a considerable period despite mounting pressure to leave the party. He said Lawal chose to stay in the party in the hope that reconciliation efforts among its factions would succeed and restore stability before the next round of elections.

PDP Legal Disputes and Failed Reconciliation Efforts

The spokesperson explained that Governor Lawal made several attempts to promote peace and unity within the PDP. These efforts included encouraging dialogue and pursuing out-of-court settlements aimed at resolving disagreements among the party’s factions.

However, those efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful, as the disputes escalated into prolonged legal battles that threatened the party’s internal cohesion and electoral prospects. The spokesman warned that the ongoing legal challenges could have significant implications for party leaders and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He further stated that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja delivered a ruling on Monday that dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP against an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court. The lower court had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

Appeal Court Judgment and Political Realignment

The statement indicated that the appellate court’s ruling effectively marked the end of Governor Lawal’s continued stay in the PDP. According to the governor’s camp, the legal developments reinforced concerns about the PDP stability and its ability to prepare for future elections.

Idris added that the governor had been the last PDP governor seeking re-election who chose to remain within the party despite the crisis. Lawal reportedly maintained that position until the recent court judgment clarified the political and legal situation surrounding the party’s internal leadership disputes.

The spokesperson said the governor ultimately decided to join the APC as part of efforts to sustain what he described as the “Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission.” He emphasised that the decision was made with the aim of safeguarding the state’s political stability and ensuring continued development.