Nigeria’s political landscape shifted in Zamfara on Tuesday as Vice President Kashim Shettima formally received Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move leaders say could strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity and deepen political consolidation in the state.

Speaking at a grand reception in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, Shettima said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is intensifying efforts to restore peace across the country, expressing confidence that the security situation will improve.

He linked the governor’s defection to broader collaboration between the state and the Federal Government, describing it as a step that would reinforce ongoing security and development initiatives.

“We are seeing greater unity and cooperation under President Tinubu, who is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of lives and property nationwide,” the Vice President said.

Shettima added that with key political actors now aligned within the APC in Zamfara, opposition parties may find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive in the state.

The event drew top APC figures, including Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, who said the National Assembly caucus of the party fully supports the governor’s move, noting that closer alignment with the centre would enhance governance and development outcomes.

Barau described insecurity as a challenge not unique to Nigeria, stressing that sustained collaboration among stakeholders remains the most effective path to resolving it.

Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the defection as “historic,” declaring that Zamfara had effectively returned to the progressive bloc.

“Today, there is practically no opposition in Zamfara State,” he said, urging the governor to unite all stakeholders and accelerate development efforts.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, characterised the development as a strategic gain for both the state and the APC.

“APC is a moving train, and Zamfara has joined at the right time. Governors on this platform will support Lawal to deliver more for the people,” he said.

APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party’s expanding base in Zamfara reflects growing confidence in the governor’s leadership, citing ongoing infrastructure projects, including a new airport, as evidence of performance.

In a symbolic moment, Yilwatda presented the APC flag and broom to Lawal, marking his formal entry into the party.

Responding, Governor Lawal pledged loyalty to the APC and commitment to inclusive governance, thanking former governors of the state, including Bello Matawalle and Abdulazeez Yari, for their support.

“I will work with all stakeholders and build on the progress of the state for the benefit of our people,” he said.

In separate remarks, Yari and Matawalle endorsed both Lawal and President Tinubu, with Matawalle ruling out any governorship ambition in 2027 and declaring support for the incumbent governor.

The defection signals a major political consolidation in Zamfara ahead of the next election cycle, with APC leaders projecting a unified front in the state.