Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has explained that the persistent internal crisis and legal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) influenced his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s defection was officially announced on Monday by the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mallam Mani Mummuni, following a meeting with political stakeholders at the Government House in Gusau.

In a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the move was described as a strategic decision taken in the best interest of Zamfara State.

According to the statement, Lawal’s switch to the APC came after wide consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across the state, particularly in light of the prolonged legal battles affecting the PDP.

“On Monday, Governor Dauda Lawal formally left the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress. The decision was reached after consultations and was endorsed by relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State,” the statement noted.

The spokesperson said the governor had remained committed to the PDP for a long time and made efforts to reconcile factions within the party before eventually deciding to leave.

He explained that Lawal had worked to promote unity among the party’s groups in order to strengthen its chances ahead of future elections.

However, Idris said attempts to resolve the party’s internal disputes through reconciliation and negotiations outside the courts were unsuccessful, resulting in ongoing legal confrontations that could affect the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections.

“Efforts to achieve reconciliation and settle disputes amicably proved difficult, leading to prolonged legal battles that may have significant implications for party leaders seeking elective positions in 2027,” the statement said.

Idris added that Lawal had remained one of the few PDP governors seeking re-election who stayed with the party despite the internal turmoil.

According to him, the governor had maintained his loyalty to the PDP until the recent judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal.

He said Lawal had earlier informed stakeholders during several meetings that he would take a final decision regarding his political future after the court ruling.

The spokesperson also revealed that the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP challenging an earlier judgment delivered on October 31 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

The Federal High Court 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.

Idris said the appellate court’s decision ultimately marked the end of the governor’s stay in the PDP.

He added that Lawal chose to join the APC in order to protect the interests of Zamfara State and continue pursuing his administration’s “Rescue and Rebuild” agenda.