Governor Dauda Lawal Dumps Opposition for APC; Cites Internal Crisis and Need for Federal ‘Collaboration’ as Zamfara Flips Blue

The political landscape of Northwest Nigeria shifted dramatically on Monday, March 9, 2026, as Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal officially severed ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which has been the subject of intense speculation for weeks, was confirmed in a “State of Harmony” statement issued by the Government House in Gusau.

Governor Lawal’s decision to jump ship is rooted in what he described as the “unending chaos” within the PDP. “Prolonged internal disputes and leadership disagreements have created a distraction that our state can no longer afford,” the Governor’s statement read. He argued that for Zamfara to effectively tackle its persistent security challenges and accelerate development, it must align with the “political center” in Abuja.

The defection marks a significant “flip the script” moment for Lawal, who won a stunning upset victory on the PDP platform in 2023. Now, facing the realities of the 2027 election cycle, he joins a growing list of governors, including Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri, who have decided that the ruling APC offers a more stable platform for their re-election ambitions. The move has effectively left the PDP in a tailspin, especially following the Court of Appeal’s decision to void its recent national convention.

In Gusau, the transition was visible and immediate. Despite the Governor being away on Lesser Hajj, his deputy, Mani Mummuni, led the ceremony to hoist the APC flag at the Government House. With 31 states now under the control of the ruling party, the APC’s dominance over the Nigerian political map is nearly total. For the people of Zamfara, the Governor has promised that this new alliance will translate into “stronger cooperation” with the Federal Government and a direct line to the resources needed to secure the state’s future.