Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has cited the protracted crisis and legal disputes rocking the Peoples Democratic Party as the reason for his defection to the All Progressives Congress.

The defection was formally announced on Monday by the state Deputy Governor, Mani Mummuni, following a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, described the move as a necessary step taken in the interest of Zamfara State.

According to the statement, the decision to join the APC followed consultations with political stakeholders across the state amid lingering legal challenges facing the PDP.

“Yesterday (Monday), Governor Dauda Lawal officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision reached and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State,” the statement said.

Idris noted that the governor had remained committed to the PDP and made efforts to reconcile the party’s warring factions before eventually leaving.

“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party. He has worked diligently to facilitate reconciliation among the party’s factions, ensuring it remains unified and can field candidates for upcoming elections,” he said.

The statement added that attempts to resolve the party’s internal crisis through reconciliation and out-of-court settlements had proved unsuccessful, resulting in a series of legal disputes that could affect the party’s prospects in future elections, particularly in 2027.

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

He added that Lawal remained the last PDP governor seeking a second term who stayed in the party despite the internal turmoil.

“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 that the party leaders would demonstrate decorum and take appropriate action,” Idris added.

According to the statement, the governor had earlier informed stakeholders during a series of meetings that lasted several weeks that he would take a final decision after the court ruling.

“Governor Lawal had informed stakeholders that he acknowledged their request to transition to the APC but would decide after the Appeal Court judgment,” the statement said.

It added that the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP against an October 31 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

It said the Federal High Court had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.

The spokesperson said the appellate court ruling effectively ended the governor’s stay in the PDP.

“The appellate judgment ended Governor Dauda 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,” the statement added.

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Following Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment, governors of the Peoples Democratic Party and the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are moving to close ranks by exploring options to either constitute a harmonised Caretaker Committee or hold a unity convention aimed at preventing the party from collapsing.

PDP leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the issue,  told our correspondent that both camps are holding marathon meetings to finalise the modalities and conditions for reconciliation.

This comes as Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki called on all stakeholders to set aside personal interests, foster unity, and collaborate to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governors had earlier endorsed the Ibadan Convention held on November 15, which elected Taminu Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year term.

They also oversaw the leadership transition from former Acting Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki, before the expiration of Damagum’s tenure on December 9.

In a counter-move, a faction loyal to the FCT minister constituted a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, appointing Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Anyanwu as acting national secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate.

Attempts by both the Wike-aligned group and the governors’ faction to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, on November 18, 2025, degenerated into physical confrontations. The Nigeria Police Force subsequently sealed the secretariat, which has remained closed since.

Both factions later sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, but the commission refused to acknowledge either group, leading to prolonged legal disputes.

On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard the consolidated cases on the PDP leadership crisis and delivered its judgments on Monday.

The appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that the processes leading to the PDP National Convention backed by the governors and held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution of Nigeria, and the party’s constitution.

The court ruled that the convention that produced Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee was not conducted in compliance with the law, nullifying its outcome.

A source loyal to Wike’s camp revealed that since the Appeal Court ruling, leaders from both factions have been considering ways to safeguard the party and ensure it presents candidates for the 2027 elections.

He stated, “You see, since the Appeal Court judgment, what I am aware of is that our side here, if you listen to what His Excellency, the former Rivers State Governor, said, he called for peace and a truce. So, it is a signal that we are ready for reconciliation.

“The discussion is already ongoing. We are ready to reconcile and to move the party forward. It is in the interest of the party that we all work together.

‘’What we are still trying to sort out are the modalities. How do we go about it? Is it to organise a convention or to constitute a harmonised caretaker committee? All these are still part of what is on the table and under discussion. At the right time, Nigerians will be informed.

“For now, I assure you that the party and the leaders, from both camps, are already discussing reconciliation. If an agreement is reached, I am sure Nigerians will be informed. If not, then I am afraid it will affect many things and our members’ ambitions.”

An insider in the governors’ camp stated that they are ready for reconciliation, provided the PDP is allowed to function freely as an opposition party and present candidates for the 2027 elections.

He stated, “Reconciliation is vital for the party at this moment to preserve PDP. On our part, we are ready to reconcile with anyone willing to support the PDP in its efforts to thrive as a genuine opposition party. Our main concern, however, is that some people may not want the party to have a presidential candidate or candidates for key positions, which we see as a threat.

“Discussions among leaders are already ongoing, including in our recent meeting, on how to close the gaps among all stakeholders and PDP leaders. The focus is on putting the party back on track and determining the best approach to reconciliation.

“Whatever steps we take to achieve reconciliation will be guided by the PDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution. We will consider all options, whether through a convention or a caretaker committee, and Nigerians will be informed in due course.’’

The party chieftain adds, “Reconciliation will only succeed if it is widely embraced by party members and the PDP is allowed to function freely as an opposition party. The party must be allowed to field a presidential candidate and present candidates for the 2027 elections, and we must address the issue of party structure. Any arrangement that undermines this objective cannot be considered a meaningful reconciliation. Then, we will come up with our plan B.”

Hinting about the reconciliation moves, Anyanwu recalled that the FCT minister, in his reaction to Monday’s judgment, said that the judicial decision has paved the way for the upcoming national convention set for March 29 and 30, calling for unity of purpose.

Speaking while inspecting the venue of the convention at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, Anyanwu reassured PDP aspirants that there is no cause for concern regarding their participation in the party’s electoral processes.

“I just want to use the opportunity to tell our party faithful, all those members who want to contest an election under the platform of the PDP, that they should not be afraid.

‘’Initially, they thought that we didn’t have candidates in the FCT. They were thinking about who was going to sign their forms. But the Appeal Court has affirmed this Caretaker Working Committee, and by the time we have our convention, we will have a full-fledged National Working Committee of the party.

“And of course, if you are going to run in an election under the PDP, rest assured you will not be disqualified. Rest assured that somebody is going to sign your forms. Do not worry about the excuses given by those who have defected, that they were worried about who would sign their forms.

‘’By April 1st, we would have gotten a full-fledged National Working Committee. We would have been sworn into office. Of course, they are going to do our primaries. People will participate. And I am sure that the PDP is going to win massively across the country.”

In his remarks, the Caretaker Chairman, Abdulrahman, urged party members to remain united, assuring them that the forthcoming convention would be transparent, credible, and acceptable to all stakeholders.

He stated, “And with the leadership of our leaders and the position of the National Caretaker Working Committee, we are willing to do everything possible to make sure that we have a smooth national convention that we have never, ever had before.

“Unity is important for the party at this stage. So, we call on all members of our party to come so that we can work together for the progress of the party and democracy in Nigeria. We are not claiming that the victory is for an individual or a certain group. It is a victory for all. And we should all put the Appeal Court judgment aside and come to work for the progress of the party.”

Earlier, while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Abdulrahman stated that the caretaker committee remains the only recognised leadership of the PDP.

“I want to make it clear at this time that the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognised by law and the party.

“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. As such, I urge all stakeholders, party leaders, party members, and supporters to rally around the National Caretaker Working Committee as we prepare to approach activities towards the 2027 general elections.

“As we proceed with the preparations towards our national convention, we shall wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment by the Court of Appeal to prepare ourselves for further defence of the party at the Supreme Court, if any. Most importantly, I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders, and members to unite for the betterment of our great party. Enough of the litigation that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general elections and off-season elections.”

Additionally, former Senate President Saraki, in a statement through his media aide Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Tuesday, urged all PDP leaders and stakeholders to set aside their differences, respect the Court of Appeal ruling, and work towards conducting a new national convention in full compliance with INEC guidelines.

“My own position is that the Court of Appeal has ruled. However, with the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision. Otherwise, we would not meet the deadlines for completing the process of nominating candidates.

‘’Also, uncertainty will continue to hang over the validity of the tickets issued to those nominated on the PDP platform. If our motive is to see that we do not jeopardise the chances of our numerous members who want to contest elections on our platform, then this consideration should be the priority of all of us in the party.

“One of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections. We should not defeat this purpose. It is for these reasons that I believe the only option open to all of us is to end all litigation and work with the arrangements that are on the ground for holding a national convention within the INEC timetable.

“From the beginning, some of us have warned and advised about the dangers of travelling this route. We know that it will only imperil the party. However, since we have found ourselves here, our focus should be on how to get back on the path of full recovery, stability, and progress.’’

Speaking further, Saraki said, “I know that at this stage, egos have been bruised. However, the difference between an ordinary man and a statesman, between a person and a patriot, between a follower and a leader is the ability to rise above the din and ignore personal interests to serve the larger common interests and public good.

‘’Thus, some leaders of the party who did not get what they desired from the courts should now consider the bigger interest of the PDP in the 2027 elections and beyond. This is a more noble, dignified, and responsible position to adopt than to embark on a journey that leads to nowhere.”

He declared that his concern is how to save and preserve the party for the benefit of the numerous members who have hinged their aspirations on the PDP platform.

Saraki continued, “There are many Nigerians at the grassroots who have been investing their time and resources in mobilising support for the party because they want to contest elections on the PDP platform. These are members who want to contest elections into the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and the Presidency.

“Feuding leaders should not allow their ego and personal differences to jeopardise, undermine, and defeat the aspirations of these honest, devoted and committed party members by depriving them of the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate. That is what these leaders will be doing if anybody continues with the litigation.

“The only viable option open to all of us is to sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention at a time that will comply with INEC guidelines. What should be paramount to all of us is to adopt a give-and-take attitude that will ensure we accommodate all interests in the election of officers at the national convention. We should let the sleeping dog lie peacefully. There is really no time for continuous bickering and grandstanding.”

In a related development,  the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara,  Turaki, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have said the recent judgment offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm the party, noting that history would look favourably upon their actions.

Speaking during the expanded BoT meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Wabara stated that the leaders have important decisions to make to safeguard the PDP.

“We need to find a solution. We need to talk about the judgment. In fact, the Board considers the judgment an order for the party to begin again. We respect the law. So, this is an opportunity for us to begin again. And that’s why we are all here.

“Having said so, it’s not a day for speech-making. It’s a day that we have to be very serious with the decisions we are going to arrive at, as we’ve always done with the Board. We obey the Constitution. We must work in accordance with the Constitution. And you can never go wrong if you abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.”

On his part, Turaki expressed concern that Nigerians, including both current and former PDP members, are troubled by the developments in the country’s political landscape and within the party.

“Since our convention in November last year in Ibadan, we strived to make sure that we keep the hope of millions of Nigerians alive in democracy, in party politics, through the instrumentality of our party. Indeed, we have worked hard to make sure that the fortunes of our party are increased. I leave you, indeed, and Nigerians to be the judge of whether the little we have done was positive and what impact it has made.

“In the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, yesterday (Monday), it becomes imperative that our leaders must sit down and then consider the situation on the ground and then come up with workable and implementable options that will save this party and indeed save Nigeria’s democracy.

So, there can never be a better time than now, especially when you look at the compacted nature of the 2026 Electoral Act that has been passed into law by the National Assembly.”

Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde described the period as a challenging time for the party.

“It’s a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party. It’s also a challenging period for democracy in Nigeria. I have been talking to people of knowledge, people who have been involved in the political evolution of this country. And none of them has seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today. I can only say, we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered.

“I can say personally, and on behalf of my chairman, that when the story of this period is told, when the story of democracy in Nigeria is told, they will find us on the side of the people. So please, I can only say that this period will also go away. It will pass away.

“So, whatever role we want to play as individuals and collectively as a party, we must be conscious of what history is going to record against or for us for this period. And I’ll leave you with a short remark. I’m sure it’s from the Holy Book. I don’t know where it is in the Quran, but in the Bible, I know where it is. And what I want to say is that weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh.”

Speaking to journalists after the expanded BoT meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated that the governors’ camp is prepared for any reconciliation aimed at ensuring the survival of the PDP.

He emphasised that any reconciliation that reduces the PDP to an appendage or sub-party of the ruling All Progressives Congress cannot be considered true reconciliation.

He stated, “Number one is that the PDP will not die. Number two is that the PDP will be on the ballot. Discussions will continue tomorrow, and we are certain that firmer approaches to achieving this will be arrived at. PDP will not die, PDP will be on the ballot.

“The first point that came out of the mouth of Turaki is that we must reconcile. But the reconciliation must be on the basis of principle—the principles to make the party survive. The PDP is currently an opposition party. Any reconciliation that makes it an appendage, a sub-party of the ruling party, is not reconciliation.

“But any reconciliation that allows the party to survive, to allow the PDP to function as an opposition party that aligns with the wishes of the people: Political, emotional, spiritual, we are putting a finality to it.

“The reconciliation must be based on the principles that the PDP does not die. Immediately, we find ourselves at that common ground. We don’t want to be an opposition party that is an appendage of the ruling party.”

The expanded BoT meeting, which was attended by members of the Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee, BoT, Governors Bala Mohammed and Makinde, and state chairmen,  would resume today.

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