PDP Faces Fresh Pressure in Zamfara as Stakeholders Urge Lawal to Join APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is under renewed pressure after reports from Zamfara State said key stakeholders advised Governor Dauda Lawal to consider joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development was made public on Saturday by APC stalwart Iran Muhammad in a statement posted on X. Muhammad said Lawal held an emergency meeting with cabinet members and PDP stakeholders to discuss the political direction of the state.

In a video shared alongside his statement, Muhammad said participants at the meeting recommended that the governor move to the ruling APC. He quoted the discussion as follows: "The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, PhD, held an emergency meeting with his cabinet and PDP stakeholders late last night to discuss the way forward. During the meeting, they recommended that he join the APC."

If confirmed, such a move would deepen the crisis already facing the PDP. The party has been battling internal leadership disputes for several years, and the latest reports came less than 24 hours after Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri reportedly left the PDP for the APC.

With the recent exits, only a few governors remain in the party, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Political observers say repeated defections are now raising fresh questions about the PDP's cohesion ahead of major political contests.

In a related setback, former PDP governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel David Ombugadu, formally resigned from the party. Ombugadu, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, confirmed his resignation in a letter dated February 28, 2026, and addressed to the PDP chairman of Ikka Wangibi Ward in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.

He said unresolved internal disputes and the prolonged leadership crisis informed his decision. Ombugadu also thanked the PDP for giving him the platform to serve Nasarawa State and Nigeria during his years in public office, saying he remained grateful for the opportunities and support he received while in the party.