Zamfara's Lone PDP Governor Reportedly Pressured to Join APC Immediately
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, the sole Peoples Democratic Party governor in Nigeria's Northwest region, has reportedly been instructed to immediately abandon the PDP and join the ruling All Progressives Congress. This development follows the recent defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State from the PDP to the APC, which has intensified political realignments across the country.
APC National Media Aide Discloses Night Meeting Details
Imran Muhammad, a media aide to the APC at the national level, revealed this information in a social media post on Saturday, February 28. According to Muhammad, Governor Lawal convened a night meeting with members of his cabinet and PDP leaders in Zamfara State to discuss the party's future. The APC chieftain asserted that Lawal was urged to join the ruling party promptly, as the PDP appears to be nearing collapse due to a wave of defections by governors from opposition parties to the APC.
With Fintiri's departure earlier in the week, Lawal is now one of only three remaining PDP governors nationwide. This situation has sparked concerns that the PDP might not be registered for the 2027 general elections, compounded by ongoing court cases regarding the party's leadership. For instance, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not listed the PDP for the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, further highlighting the party's precarious position.
Public Reactions to the Political Shifts
The news has generated significant reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many expressing disappointment and skepticism about the motivations behind such defections.
- Deezeerhh criticized the opposition, stating: "31 out of 37? At this point, what are the opposition actually opposing? I feel ashamed whenever Northern governors defect from one party to another. This is them clearly saying we're here for the money, and we don't care about anyone."
- Sir Kay projected the political implications: "If Dauda Lawal joins the All Progressives Congress, APC, the party would control 31 of 36 governors, not dominance, but near political saturation. At this rate, the so-called opposition coalition looks more like a press statement than a pathway to power. Without structure, unity, or clear ideology, it’s hard to see them mounting any serious challenge in 2027."
- Sen. Idris Haruna commented on the principle of governance: "This is a clear example of politics over principle. Holding an 'emergency meeting' only to recommend jumping ship to the APC raises serious questions about commitment, consistency, and accountability. Governors are meant to lead with the interests of their people, not chase party advantage."
- Oluwatobiloba Daniel added: "Transfer to the winning team is imminent. Once this man completes his transfer move to APC, then ADC is finished!"
These reactions underscore a broader public sentiment that such defections undermine political stability and trust in governance, with many viewing them as opportunistic moves rather than principled decisions based on public service.
