The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong rebuttal to circulating reports claiming that Governor Dauda Lawal intends to defect to the ruling party. The party has categorically denied receiving any formal communication from the governor and has labelled the story as a complete fabrication.
APC Dismisses Defection Claims as Misinformation
In a statement released on Friday night, the APC moved swiftly to quell speculation sparked by a report alleging that Governor Lawal, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had written to signal his intention to join the APC. The party's state Publicity Secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris, signed the statement, which described the claim as baseless.
Idris revealed that the party first became aware of the report through informal channels and expressed surprise at its content. He attributed the false story to an entity referred to as Tambarin Gusau, asserting that the report was wrongly credited to this source. The APC spokesperson emphasized that the narrative was "unfortunate, unfounded and clearly mischievous", created by individuals with ulterior motives to spread confusion within Zamfara's political landscape.
No Official Letter Received, Says Party
Central to the APC's denial is the confirmation that no defection letter from Governor Dauda Lawal has been received through the party's official channels. Mallam Yusuf Idris stressed that the APC adheres to strict internal procedures regarding membership and defections. Any matter of such significance would, according to party protocol, pass through its recognized leadership structures.
"The party did not receive any letter from Governor Dauda Lawal as claimed, nor is the APC aware of any recent moves by the governor to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC," Idris stated unequivocally. He further clarified that the APC does not rely on rumours or anonymous claims when addressing sensitive political issues, reinforcing the party's commitment to due process.
APC Urges Public to Disregard Report
In light of the controversy, the Zamfara APC has issued a direct appeal to its members, supporters, and the general public across the state. The party has urged everyone to completely disregard the report, describing it as a mere work of imagination designed to create unnecessary tension and political instability.
The statement also served as a warning to those engaged in spreading such misinformation. The APC cautioned that persistent dissemination of false stories could erode public trust and undermine the political stability of Zamfara State. The party called for responsible conduct and urged media outlets and individuals to verify information before publication.
This incident highlights the often volatile nature of political reporting in Nigeria, where defection rumours can significantly impact public perception and party dynamics. The APC's swift and firm denial aims to shut down speculation and reaffirm the current political alignments in Zamfara State as the governor remains a member of the opposition PDP.
