Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has joined the growing list of defecting governors, as he has now left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, in a statement, the governor explained why he dumped the PDP for the APC.

The statement reads: “On Monday, Governor Dauda Lawal officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a decision reached and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State.”

“Governor Lawal has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party. He worked diligently to facilitate reconciliation among the party’s factions, ensuring it remained unified and capable of fielding candidates for upcoming elections.”

“Efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and out-of-court settlements proved difficult, leading to a series of legal battles that may have future implications, particularly for leaders contesting elections in 2027.”

“Governor Lawal was the last man standing in the Peoples Democratic Party who stood firm until the very end, which was marked by yesterday’s Appeal Court judgment. He was the only governor seeking a second term, who chose to stay, hoping party leaders would demonstrate decorum and take appropriate action.”

“Governor Lawal informed stakeholders that he acknowledged their request to move to the APC but would decide after the Appeal Court judgment.”

According to the statement, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Monday dismissed an appeal by the PDP against the October 31 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

“The appellate judgment ended Governor Lawal’s stay in the Peoples Democratic Party, as he prioritised the interests of Zamfara State by joining the All Progressives Congress to sustain the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission.”