Zamfara PDP Chairman Jamil Magayaki Joins APC in Major Political Shift
In a significant political development, Jamil Jibo Magayaki, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move comes just 48 hours after Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State also switched allegiance to the APC, highlighting a rapid realignment in the state's political landscape.
Magayaki Cites Political Realities for Defection
According to a statement reported by Daily Trust, Magayaki, 40, announced his formal defection on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He explained that his decision was driven by the prevailing political realities in Zamfara State, emphasizing the need to align with a platform better positioned to address critical issues such as security, development, and governance for the benefit of the people.
The statement reads: "I, Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, the Zamfara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hereby announce my formal defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). My decision to join the APC is based on the current political reality in Zamfara State, which demands alignment with a platform better positioned to address the challenges of security, development and governance for the benefit of our people."
Governor Dauda Lawal's Earlier Defection Boosts APC Numbers
Legit.ng recalls that on Monday, March 9, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State resigned his PDP membership and joined the APC. In a statement confirmed by his media aide, Nuhu Anka, the governor cited careful consideration and the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development for Zamfara State as reasons for his defection.
This move has significantly bolstered the APC's strength, bringing the total number of state governors in the ruling party to 31. The consecutive defections from the PDP to the APC in Zamfara State underscore a growing trend of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Expresses Concern Over PDP Crisis
Amid these developments, Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has voiced deep concern over the current situation within the PDP. He described it as a difficult moment for both the party and Nigeria's democracy, particularly following a recent Appeal Court judgment on the party's leadership crisis.
Makinde urged party leaders to remain mindful of how their actions during this period will be judged by history. He expressed hope that the ongoing political tensions would eventually pass and called on party members to stay focused on their role in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
Background of PDP Defections and Political Shifts
This wave of defections is not isolated to Zamfara State. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the senator representing Sokoto South, left the PDP to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). These moves highlight the deepening crisis within the PDP as it grapples with internal leadership issues and external political pressures.
The defections of key figures like Magayaki and Lawal are seen as strategic blows to the PDP's influence in Zamfara State and beyond, potentially reshaping the political dynamics leading up to the 2027 general elections.
