Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has revealed that he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure federal support and form a united front with four former governors to combat banditry in the state.
Speaking on Saturday during a one-day APC stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau – held ahead of the party’s congresses scheduled to begin on April 28 – Mr Lawal stressed the urgent need for political unity to tackle the insecurity plaguing the state.
The governor noted that the gathering marked the first major APC stakeholders’ meeting since he formally joined the party in March. He arrived alongside four former governors: Senator Ahmad Sani, Alhaji Mahmuda Shinkafi, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle – a deliberate show of cohesion among the state’s top political figures.
Mr Lawal commended President Bola Tinubu for “navigating the complex challenges in the country” and thanked him for providing Zamfara with enhanced security infrastructure, personnel and logistics.
The governor said the meeting would deepen party unity and consolidate preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to establish lasting peace.
Mr Lawal also highlighted his government’s strides in transforming the state and lifting citizens out of poverty, assuring party members of fairness and due process.
The four former governors each pledged their loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration and voiced support for his 2027 re-election bid.
