Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, is facing increasing political tension following a new wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, which has further eroded his political influence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Trusted sources within the Government House in Gusau revealed that the governor is preparing to embark on a series of strategic consultations in Abuja as part of efforts to address the internal crisis within his party and reassert his political control.
Analysts believe that Lawal’s planned consultations in Abuja are part of broader moves to manage the escalating tension and secure political protection as the APC continues to strengthen its hold in Zamfara State.
The recent defections, which have shaken the ruling PDP in the state, involve influential figures such as legislators, ward executives, and former aides, who accuse the governor of poor governance, neglect of party members, and unfulfilled campaign promises.
On Tuesday, Hon. Maharazu Salisu, the representative of Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, formally defected to the APC at the party’s state secretariat in Gusau.
His defection, along with those of five PDP ward executives, marks another significant setback for Governor Lawal, whose control over the party continues to diminish.
The governor’s political troubles deepened last week after a PDP candidate he allegedly supported with more than ₦4 billion during a by-election also defected to the APC, citing frustration with the administration’s performance and rising public discontent.
At present, the APC holds 13 out of the 24 seats in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, while reports suggest that another seven PDP legislators may soon defect—a move that could leave Governor Lawal with only four loyal lawmakers and expose him to possible impeachment.
Sources disclosed that the governor convened a late-night meeting with some lawmakers on Monday, where he expressed anxiety about the ongoing defections and their potential impact on his political survival.
According to one insider, the governor admitted he might “explore international options” if forced out of office, referring to properties he allegedly owns in London, Dubai, the United States, and Germany.
Meanwhile, the Northern APC Stakeholders Forum has warned the party’s national leadership against admitting Governor Lawal into the APC, arguing that his record in office could damage the party’s reputation in the region.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Mubarak Liman, the group accused Governor Lawal of overseeing one of Zamfara’s most challenging periods, marked by insecurity and infrastructural decay.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has failed in critical areas of governance—security, infrastructure, and welfare. Welcoming him into the APC would be counterproductive for the party in Zamfara and the Northwest,” the statement read.
The forum further noted that the persistent wave of defections from the PDP reflects the governor’s declining popularity and fading grassroots support.
