Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has attributed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the prolonged crises and legal battles within the party.
His move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was officially announced on Monday by Deputy Governor Mallam Mani Mummuni following a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the move as a necessary step taken in the interest of the state.
According to the statement, the decision to join the APC followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across Zamfara State amid the lingering legal battles facing the PDP.
The statement read in part:
“Yesterday(Monday), 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.”
The spokesman said the governor had remained loyal to the PDP and made efforts to reconcile the party’s warring factions before eventually leaving.
“Governor Lawal has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party. He worked diligently to facilitate reconciliation among the party’s factions, ensuring it remained unified and capable of fielding candidates for upcoming elections.”
Idris noted that repeated attempts to resolve the crisis through reconciliation and out-of-court settlements proved unsuccessful, resulting in prolonged legal battles that could affect the party’s chances in future elections, particularly in 2027.
“Efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and out-of-court settlements proved difficult, leading to a series of legal battles that may have future implications, particularly for leaders contesting elections in 2027.”
He further said the governor remained the last PDP governor seeking re-election who stayed in the party despite the internal turmoil.
“Governor Lawal was the last man standing in the Peoples Democratic Party who stood firm until the very end, which was marked by yesterday’s Appeal Court judgment. He was the only governor seeking a second term, who chose to stay, hoping party leaders would demonstrate decorum and take appropriate action.”
The statement added that the governor had earlier informed stakeholders during a series of meetings that lasted several weeks that he would make a final decision after the court ruling.
“Governor Lawal informed stakeholders that he acknowledged their request to move to the APC but would decide after the Appeal Court judgment.”
According to the statement, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Monday dismissed an appeal by the PDP against the October 31 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
The Federal High 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.
The spokesperson said the appellate court ruling effectively brought the governor’s stay in the PDP to an end.
“The appellate judgment ended Governor Lawal’s stay in the Peoples Democratic Party, as he prioritised the interests of Zamfara State by joining the All Progressives Congress to sustain the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission.”
