GUSAU — A major political realignment may be unfolding in Zamfara State in north-western Nigeria as Governor Dauda Lawal faces increasing pressure to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development comes amid growing internal tensions within the PDP at the national level ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Governor Lawal is now one of only three PDP governors still in office across the country, a situation that has intensified debate within the party about its political survival and strength.
On Friday night, February 27, 2026, the governor met with members of his cabinet and key political stakeholders in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, to discuss the state’s political future. Sources familiar with the meeting said participants examined the implications of defecting to the APC and were said to have agreed that moving to the ruling party could offer strategic advantages.
The consultations took place hours after Adamawa State Governor, Adamu Fintiri, defected to the APC along with 22 commissioners, special advisers and other party leaders. That move increased the number of state governors under the APC to 30 nationwide.
Zamfara’s recent political history adds context to the unfolding situation. In the 2023 general election, Governor Lawal defeated Bello Matawalle, who now serves as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu. A return of Zamfara to the APC would mark a significant shift only three years after the PDP secured control of the state.
Sources in Abuja and Kaduna said that former Zamfara governor and current senator, Abdulaziz Yari, has played an important role in persuading stakeholders to weigh the benefits of alignment with the federal government. He is considered politically close to President Tinubu. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani is also reported to be involved in behind-the-scenes discussions.
Supporters of a possible defection argue that closer ties with the federal government could improve access to national support and strengthen cooperation on security. Zamfara remains one of Nigeria’s most security-challenged states due to persistent armed bandit attacks, making federal collaboration a key factor in the political calculations.
An APC source in Gusau stressed the importance of consensus before any final decision is announced.
“Stakeholder buy-in is crucial to prevent fragmentation, and a unilateral defection without party structure backing could weaken rather than strengthen his political base.
“Definitely, a defection and loss of a sitting governor will be an immediate structural weakening for PDP across Zamfara State.
“Legislative realignments will take place as lawmakers may defect en masse to retain access to executive power and remaining PDP elements may become politically marginalised,” he said.
The final decision now rests with Governor Lawal and his political allies. If he formally joins the APC, it could reshape political alignments in Zamfara State and influence wider calculations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.