Zamfara PDP Mounts Pressure on Governor Lawal to Join APC

There is a political tension in Zamfara State as leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party intensify efforts to persuade Governor Dauda Lawal to defect to the All Progressives Congress.

The development comes amid growing instability within the PDP at the national level and fresh waves of defections to the ruling party across several states.

Governor Lawal is now one of the few remaining PDP governors in the country, alongside Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

Sources said the Zamfara governor recently convened a closed-door meeting with members of his cabinet and key political stakeholders in Gusau.
The meeting focused on the future of the party in the state and the political direction of the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Those present reportedly agreed that continued stay in the opposition may weaken the state’s access to federal influence and resources.
They were said to have recommended a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress as a strategic step.

The meeting was held only hours after Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri defected to the APC alongside 22 commissioners, special advisers and party officials.

If Governor Lawal joins the APC, it could reshape political control in Zamfara and strengthen the party’s dominance in the North-West region.

Zamfara was won by the PDP in the 2023 election after Lawal defeated former governor Bello Matawalle, who now serves as Minister of State for Defence.

Insiders revealed that negotiations are being influenced by the relationship between President Bola Tinubu and former Zamfara governor Abdulaziz Yari.
Assurances from key APC figures are believed to be encouraging the governor and PDP stakeholders to reconsider their political position.

Security concerns are also shaping the decision.
Zamfara remains one of Nigeria’s most troubled states due to persistent bandit attacks.

Party leaders believe alignment with the federal government could strengthen security cooperation and attract more support to fight insurgency.

Political calculations for 2027 are another major factor.
Discussions reportedly include re-election prospects, control of party structures, and influence over future senatorial and House of Representatives tickets in the state.

An APC source in Gusau said the governor is seeking broad consensus before making any move.
He added that talks involve top political actors within and outside Zamfara to avoid internal divisions.

“Stakeholder buy-in is crucial to prevent fragmentation, and a unilateral defection without party structure backing could weaken rather than strengthen his political base.

“Definitely, a defection and loss of a sitting governor will be an immediate structural weakening for PDP across Zamfara State.

“Legislative realignments will take place as lawmakers may defect en masse to retain access to executive power and remaining PDP elements may become politically marginalised,” he said.

Governor Fintiri’s defection makes him the eighth governor to switch allegiance to the APC within one year.
Seven of them left the PDP, while one defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party.

With his move, the APC now controls 30 states across the federation.