ZAMFARA State Governor Dauda Lawal may soon defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within both parties told News Point Nigeria that the governor’s anticipated move could take place as early as next week, depending largely on the outcome of the Court of Appeal ruling on the leadership dispute currently rocking the PDP.
Multiple party insiders in Abuja, Gusau and Kaduna confirmed that Lawal and many of his loyalists within the PDP are closely watching the pending court judgment before making a final decision.
The Zamfara governor is known to belong to the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party, one of the rival groups battling for control of the PDP structure at the national level.
According to sources familiar with the ongoing consultations, Lawal has already held several meetings with top officials of the ruling APC regarding his possible defection.
Party insiders disclosed that the consultations were one of the main reasons the APC leadership decided to postpone indefinitely its state, local government and ward congresses in Zamfara State.
In a memo dated March 2, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC explained that the postponement was due to “ongoing consultations and the need to conclude certain preparatory and administrative processes to ensure the orderly, transparent and credible conduct of the congresses in the state.”
The party assured the electoral commission that it would communicate a revised schedule for the congresses once internal consultations were concluded in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.
If Governor Lawal eventually defects, he will become the 31st governor under the APC, further strengthening the ruling party’s hold on power at the state level.
Sources also revealed that the governor recently met with key PDP stakeholders in Zamfara State to discuss the political future of the party and possible options ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting, which took place about two weeks ago, reportedly ended with many participants expressing support for a possible switch to the APC.
Lawal’s potential defection comes amid a growing wave of high-profile political realignments that have weakened the PDP in recent months.
Within the past year alone, the party has reportedly lost several governors to the APC, including Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
In addition, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also joined the APC from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Meanwhile, indications have also emerged that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who doubles as the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, may be exploring political options amid the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
A source familiar with the discussions claimed that Mohammed may have already engaged in quiet negotiations with the APC leadership regarding his political future.
According to the source, the Bauchi governor may be seeking certain concessions before making any political move.
“He may have already outlined what he wants from the APC, such as a ticket to the Senate, National Assembly seats for some of his loyalists and support from President Bola Tinubu in persuading the APC leadership to allow him produce a successor in Bauchi State,” the source said.
However, the request for influence over his successor is said to be facing stiff resistance within the APC due to concerns surrounding alleged corruption issues linked to the governor.
In contrast, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently denied speculation that he is planning to leave the PDP or align with another political party.
Makinde recently dismissed claims that he was secretly negotiating to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting to the developments, the Publicity Secretary of the Mohammed Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the party leadership was currently focused on preparations for upcoming internal congresses.
He noted that the PDP is working towards holding its National Convention scheduled for March 28–29 in Abuja, where efforts would be made to resolve internal disputes and reposition the party.
According to him, the party would issue a formal statement after the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling on the ongoing leadership tussle.
“I am currently busy with preparations for congresses at different levels ahead of the national convention,” Mohammed said.
“I will rather wait until Monday so that I can address the press after the Appeal Court judgment.”