Dauda Explains Decision to Abandon Peoples Democratic Party as Zamfara Governor

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, citing the prolonged crisis and legal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the reason for his departure.

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The governor's defection was formally announced on Monday by the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni, after a stakeholders' meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

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A statement by the governor's spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the move as a necessary step taken in the interest of the state, following extensive consultations with political stakeholders across Zamfara State amid the lingering legal battles facing the PDP.

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According to the statement, the decision to join the APC was reached and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State, with the governor officially decamping from the PDP on Monday.

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The spokesman noted that Governor Lawal had remained loyal to the PDP and made efforts to reconcile the party's warring factions before eventually leaving, demonstrating a strong commitment to the party.

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Governor Lawal worked diligently to facilitate reconciliation among the party's factions, ensuring it remained unified and capable of fielding candidates for upcoming elections, according to the statement.

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However, repeated attempts to resolve the crisis through reconciliation and out-of-court settlements proved unsuccessful, resulting in prolonged legal battles that could affect the party's chances in future elections, particularly in 2027.

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The spokesman stated that efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation, and out-of-court settlements proved difficult, leading to a series of legal battles that may have future implications, particularly for leaders contesting elections in 2027.

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Governor Lawal was the last PDP governor seeking re-election who stayed in the party despite the internal turmoil, and he was the only governor seeking a second term who chose to stay, hoping party leaders would demonstrate decorum and take appropriate action.

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The governor had earlier informed stakeholders during a series of meetings that lasted several weeks that he would make a final decision after the court ruling, acknowledging their request to move to the APC but would decide after the Appeal Court judgment.

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The Court of Appeal of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Monday dismissed an appeal by the PDP against the October 31 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which had 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 and 16.

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The appellate court ruling effectively brought the governor's stay in the PDP to an end, as he prioritised the interests of Zamfara State by joining the All Progressives Congress to sustain the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission, according to the spokesperson.