Appeal Court Ruling: Zamfara State Governor, Lawal Defects To The APC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Monday March 9, 2026 , announced his resignation from the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and  subsequent defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that the Governor whose State has remained one of the epicentres of insurgency had, penultimate week, stated that his continued membership of the PDP will depend on the outcome of the consolidated suits filed by the two factions of the party at the Court of Appeal.

He had informed that ,he would be seeking alternative political platform should the scale of judgment tilt against the Tamuni Turaki-led National Executive Committee NEC.

However, the Appallate Court on Monday, in a ruling by a  three-member panel of Justices , upheld the verdict of the trial court which had earlier declared the November 15 and 16, 2025, Ibadan National Convention and the election of the Turaki’s NEC of the PDP as null and void.

A statement on Monday from the Governor’s spokesperson, Nuhu Anka, informed that Governor Lawal defection was sequel to wide consultations with all relevant Zamfara state stakeholders.

“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations stakeholders, political leaders ,elders, and supporters across the state 

“After careful considerations, and in the over riding interest of stability, progress and sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the National and State levels.

“Those challenges have continued to create uncertainty, and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara state”, the statement reads in part .

This is as the Governor  emphasized the need to align with the Federal Government in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the seemingly intractable problem of insecurity ravaging the State.

“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara state benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the Governor  is defecting alongside  members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive  Council members, Local Council officials ,as well as the entire PDP structure in the State.