(DDM) – A major political shift has emerged in northwestern Nigeria after the governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, alongside his deputy Mani Malam Mummuni, announced their decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape and deepen national debates about party loyalty and political realignment.
The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Mummuni during a gathering with supporters and political stakeholders across the state. Speaking on behalf of Governor Lawal, he said the decision followed extensive consultations with political allies and key stakeholders in Zamfara.
According to the deputy governor, the leadership of the state concluded that shifting allegiance to the APC would better position Zamfara to attract federal support and address pressing developmental and security challenges affecting the region.
“We, the Governor, his team, and I, have decided to officially leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mummuni said while addressing the crowd, adding that the decision was taken after carefully evaluating the political direction of both the state and the country.
He emphasized that the move was not merely a political calculation but one aimed at improving governance and strengthening cooperation with the federal government.
“This decision is taken to align with the direction that will better serve our people, secure more federal support, address security challenges, and accelerate development in Zamfara,” he said.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most security-challenged states, has for years struggled with armed banditry, kidnappings, and rural violence. Local communities have repeatedly called for stronger federal intervention and improved security coordination.
Political observers say aligning with the ruling APC at the federal level may help the state government push for more support from Abuja in tackling these challenges.
The defection also reflects the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political alliances, where party switching among high-profile politicians is relatively common, particularly as election cycles approach.
Governor Lawal was elected in 2023 under the banner of the PDP, defeating the incumbent APC administration at the time. His victory was widely seen as a significant political upset in Zamfara, a state that had previously been considered an APC stronghold.
His departure from the opposition PDP now raises questions about the future strength of the party in the region and the broader political implications ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Analysts say the decision may further strengthen the APC’s influence in the northwest while weakening the PDP’s foothold in one of Nigeria’s strategically important political zones.
The move also comes amid wider national political tensions and shifting alliances across Nigeria’s political landscape since the emergence of President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led federal government.
For supporters of the governor, the switch is seen as a pragmatic decision aimed at attracting development and improving security cooperation. Critics, however, argue that such defections often reflect political survival strategies rather than ideological commitment.
Mummuni, however, urged party loyalists and residents across Zamfara to support the transition, insisting it was taken in the best interest of the state.
“We call on all our supporters, party members, and the good people of Zamfara to support this move for the greater good of the state,” he said.
As political reactions continue to emerge, the defection could trigger further realignments within Zamfara politics and possibly influence alliances across Nigeria ahead of future elections.
