Northern Forum Accuses Zamfara Governor of Political Cowardice Over Rumoured APC Defection

By Sandra Ukeredi

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has sharply criticized the reported intention of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as driven by fear rather than leadership vision.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the forum’s chairman, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the group accused Governor Lawal of political desperation aimed at shielding himself from mounting political pressure in the state. According to the NSCF, the governor’s decision is not informed by any ideological conviction or plan for improved governance but by his growing insecurity over the influence of key APC figures in Zamfara.

“The looming shadows of these established political players—particularly the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor, Senator AbdulAziz Yari—have evidently instilled a sense of fear in Governor Lawal, compelling him to seek refuge in the APC,” the statement read.

“This act of political expediency underscores a troubling trend: the prioritization of personal ambition over the collective interest of the people of Zamfara State.”

The forum expressed concern that the governor has failed to show strong leadership within the PDP and has instead become a divisive figure. They accused him of underperformance, a lack of strategic direction, and inability to build unity in a party already grappling with internal challenges.

“Governor Lawal has long been perceived as a political liability within the PDP. His tenure has been marked by underachievement, weak governance, and failure to inspire confidence among party members and the electorate. Instead of healing divisions, he has deepened them,” the statement continued.

The NSCF warned that his defection, if it materializes, will not address the leadership challenges facing Zamfara but will rather escalate political instability. They pointed out that the APC in the state is already contending with internal disputes and that Governor Lawal’s entry could worsen the crisis.

“The APC, under the influence of figures like Bello Matawalle and Senator Yari, is already dealing with internal struggles. Bringing in a governor with questionable leadership credentials will only complicate the situation and heighten instability in the state’s political landscape,” the group noted.

The forum concluded by cautioning that the governor’s alleged move is a retreat from accountability and good governance, calling on citizens of Zamfara to remain vigilant and demand leadership that puts their interests first.

“Governor Lawal’s rumoured defection is not about service; it is about self-preservation. It reflects a wider crisis in our political system, where opportunism trumps principle, and fear dictates action,” the statement emphasized.

As of press time, Governor Dauda Lawal’s media team has yet to officially confirm or deny the defection rumours.