Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal and his deputy, Mani Mummuni, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mummuni announced their defection on Monday during a meeting with members of the state executive council in Gusau, the state capital.
The Director-General, media, and communication to the governor, Nuhu Anka, also confirmed Lawal’s defection to the APC.
In a statement in Gusau, Anka said the governor’s decision followed “extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state”.
Anka said Lawal joined the ruling party in the “overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara state”.
The statement said, “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.
“Consequently, it became 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.
“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.”
The statement maintained further that, “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.”
With Lawal’s defection, the PDP is now left with two governors – Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde of Bauchi and Oyo states, respectively.
Zamfara governor, deputy, defect to APC
