APC controlled States hit 32, as Zamfara Governor defects...says PDP internal crisis fueling uncertainty, threatening effective governance.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has further solidified its dominance over Nigeria’s political landscape, with the number of states under its control rising to 31 following the formal defection of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

The announcement, which confirms the exit of another high-profile opposition leader, was made on Monday in Gusau, signaling a near-total collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presence across the federation.

Governor Lawal’s decision to dump the PDP was primarily driven by the prolonged and unresolved internal crisis within the party.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Nuhu Anka, the persistent leadership disagreements and structural challenges at both the national and state levels had created an environment of uncertainty and distractions.

The Governor maintained that these internal frictions were increasingly threatening effective governance and hindering his administration's ability to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara.

The defection follows a series of high-stakes political realignments, including the recent move by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to the ruling party.

This trend has drastically depleted the PDP's gubernatorial ranks, leaving the party with only two governors, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as the 2027 general elections approach.

Lawal emphasized that his move is an overriding interest of stability, aimed at aligning Zamfara with the federal government's "Renewed Hope" agenda to better address the state's critical security and developmental needs.

Confirming the shift, the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, spearheaded final deliberations at the Government House, urging supporters to immediately embrace the APC’s e-registration platform.

Lawal joins a growing list of former opposition governors including Kano’s Abba Kabir Yusuf and Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang who have shifted allegiance in early 2026.

This consolidation leaves the APC in control of over 85% of Nigeria's states, fundamentally reshaping the country's power dynamics ahead of the next electoral cycle.