Party dismisses reports of Governor’s exit from PDP
The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally denied reports claiming that Governor Dauda Lawal submitted a letter of intent to defect to the party.
In a statement released in Gusau on Saturday, January 17, 2026, the party described the speculations as “fabricated” and “malicious.” The APC clarified that it has not received any official correspondence from the Governor, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), nor is it aware of any recent moves by him to join their ranks.
According to the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, the rumors reportedly originated from a source identified as Tambarin Gusau. The party leadership expressed concern over the “unprofessional manner” in which misinformation is being used to create confusion within a “stable and peaceful” political environment. Idris emphasized that the APC maintains well-defined and responsible channels for handling memberships and high-profile defections, none of which have been activated for the Governor.
The denial comes amidst a broader wave of political realignments in Northern Nigeria, where several opposition figures have recently moved toward the ruling party. However, the Zamfara APC has urged its members and the general public to disregard these specific reports in their entirety. The party insisted that it remains focused on its internal guided processes and will not be swayed by “imaginary” reports aimed at causing political chaos in the state.
PDP maintains solid front as Lawal hosts party leaders
Despite the rumors of his departure, Governor Dauda Lawal has continued to demonstrate his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party. In late 2025, the Governor hosted a high-level strategic meeting of the PDP Governors Forum in Gusau, where party unity and national developmental initiatives were the primary focus. During that engagement, Lawal welcomed his counterparts from across the country, reinforcing his role as a key pillar within the opposition’s current leadership structure.
Political analysts suggest that the defection rumors may be fueled by the ongoing “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has successfully attracted various opposition leaders over the past year. In Rivers State, for instance, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s move to the APC in December 2025 created a significant shift in the political landscape. However, Zamfara’s situation appears distinct, as the Governor has consistently voiced his dedication to the mandate given to him by the people under the PDP banner.
The Zamfara State Government has yet to issue a direct rebuttal to the rumors, often preferring to let the political parties handle such partisan matters. Lawal, who famously unseated the incumbent Bello Matawalle in a major upset in 2023, has been busy commissioning infrastructure projects across the state’s local government areas. His supporters maintain that his focus remains on governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to Zamfara residents rather than engaging in “nomadic politics.”
Political realignments intensify ahead of 2027 elections
While the Governor’s defection remains unconfirmed, other parts of the Zamfara political structure are indeed shifting. Recently, Honourable Maharazu Salisu, representing the Maradun II constituency, defected from the PDP to the APC, citing a desire to align with the national leadership. These smaller-scale movements have heightened political tension in the state, leading to frequent speculations about the next high-profile politician to switch sides.
The APC currently holds a majority in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, a factor that often complicates the executive-legislative relationship for a PDP governor. This dynamic has led some to believe that a defection would be a strategic move to ease governance challenges. Nevertheless, the APC leadership in the state has remained firm that no such transition is currently on the table for Lawal, and they have warned against the “mischievous” use of his name to stir controversy.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 election cycle, such rumors are expected to become more frequent. The APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) has noted that while the party is open to welcoming new members of high caliber, such transitions must follow the party’s constitutional guidelines. For now, Dauda Lawal remains a member of the PDP, and the Zamfara APC continues to operate as the primary opposition to his administration within the state.
