Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has cited ongoing legal disputes and internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the key reason for his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).The formal defection was announced on Monday by Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni, following a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the move as a necessary step for the greater good of Zamfara State. It noted that the decision to join the APC was reached by state stakeholders amid ongoing legal challenges faced by the PDP.

The statement read in part:

“Yesterday, Governor Dauda Lawal officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State.

“Governor Lawal demonstrated strong commitment to the PDP, working diligently to reconcile the party’s factions to ensure it remained unified and could field candidates for upcoming elections.

“However, efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation, and out-of-court settlements proved difficult, leading to a series of legal battles with potential implications for leaders contesting elections in 2027.

“Governor Lawal was the last standing PDP governor seeking a second term who remained in the party until yesterday’s Appeal Court judgment. He had hoped the party leadership would act with decorum and take appropriate steps.

“After several weeks of consultations, Governor Lawal acknowledged the stakeholders’ request for him to transition to the APC, but chose to decide only after the Appeal Court ruling.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday dismissed the PDP’s appeal against the October 31 judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15–16.

The appellate ruling effectively ended Governor Lawal’s tenure in the PDP, paving the way for his defection to the APC, which he said is aimed at sustaining the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild Mission.