Governor Dauda Lawal Dismisses Defection Rumors, Reiterates Commitment to PDP

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has refuted claims that he has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the rumors as unfounded and politically motivated.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, and reported by Channels TV, Governor Lawal insisted that he remains firmly rooted in the PDP and is focused on delivering good governance to the people of Zamfara. He said the speculation was a deliberate attempt by political rivals to distract from the achievements of his administration.

“The reports circulating online suggesting that Governor Dauda Lawal has defected to the APC are completely false and should be ignored,” the statement read. “The governor remains a loyal and committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party and has no intention of leaving the party under which he was elected.”

Governor Lawal, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election after a hotly contested race, believes the rumors are being spread by those unsettled by his administration’s reform-oriented agenda. He stressed that his allegiance to the PDP remains intact and that he is more concerned with delivering on campaign promises than engaging in political gamesmanship.

Since taking office, Lawal has made security, education, and infrastructure development his top priorities—critical areas in a state that has struggled with persistent banditry and violence. His efforts to promote transparency and rebuild public trust in governance have drawn commendations from various quarters.

While recent meetings between PDP and APC power brokers have stirred speculations about potential defections in the north, Lawal’s clear stance aims to put those rumors to rest. Political observers suggest that the defection talk may be part of early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PDP has also backed the governor, affirming that Lawal remains a vital part of its northern leadership and dismissing the defection claims as “mischief with no foundation.”

With this strong denial, Governor Lawal sends a message of stability and loyalty, assuring his supporters that he remains committed to the PDP—for now.