GOV LAWAL REVEALS APPEAL COURT JUDGMENT PROMPTED PDP DEPARTURE

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has stated that the recent Court of Appeal ruling on the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a key factor in his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Lawal, who recently left the PDP, explained that ongoing internal divisions and protracted legal battles within the party made it increasingly difficult to remain, despite his efforts to mediate and reconcile conflicting factions.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, the governor noted that the appellate court’s judgment on the PDP national convention effectively brought his long tenure in the party to an end.

The statement revealed that Lawal had consulted widely with political stakeholders across Zamfara State before deciding to join the ruling APC.

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“Joining the All Progressives Congress was a decision supported by stakeholders in Zamfara State in light of the ongoing legal challenges confronting the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement read.

It further highlighted that the governor had shown loyalty to the PDP, consistently working to reconcile different factions to promote unity and prepare the party for future elections.

However, Idris said that efforts to resolve the crisis through reconciliation and out-of-court settlements proved unsuccessful, resulting in a prolonged legal battle with potentially serious implications for party leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement also described Lawal as “the last man standing” among PDP governors seeking a second term.

“He was the only governor aiming for re-election who chose to remain, hoping party leaders would act with decorum and take necessary steps,” Idris explained.

He added that, during several meetings with stakeholders in recent weeks, Lawal had informed them of their request for him to join the APC but said he would make a final decision only after the Court of Appeal issued its ruling.

“The appellate judgment ended Governor Dauda Lawal’s tenure in the Peoples Democratic Party, as he prioritised the interests of Zamfara State. He joined the All Progressives Congress to continue the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission,” Idris said.

Meanwhile, the media reports that the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday upheld the decision of the Federal High Court restraining the PDP from holding its national convention.

The appellate court dismissed an appeal by the faction led by Taminu Turaki, which claimed leadership of the party following the Ibadan convention where members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were elected. The court also imposed a ₦2 million cost against Turaki and his faction members.

Following the ruling, the Turaki-led faction instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the decision.