BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The sweeping changes in Nigeria’s political landscape are certainly not ebbing anytime soon as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, has become the latest in the long list of politicians to jump ship and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released to journalists and on his social media handles on Thursday, Magayaki explained that the decision was driven by the prevailing political realities in the North West State.
His statement reads: “I, Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, the Zamfara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, hereby announce my formal defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“My decision to join the APC is based on the current political reality in Zamfara State, which demands alignment with a platform better positioned to address the challenges of security, development, and governance for the benefit of our people.”
As expected, Magayaki’s defection is against the backdrop of drastic realignment of political forces in Zamfara with the PDP administration led by Governor Lawal moving with his State Executive Council (SEC) members to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Interestingly, while still performing the hajj in Saudi Arabia, Governor Lawal had directed the deputy and then Acting Governor, Mani Mummuni, to formally announced their defection in a video message that went viral.
Confirming the development, the governor’s media aide, Nuhu Anka had explained that the decision to leave the former ruling party followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, party leaders, elders, and supporters across the state, adding that the governor’s exit from the PDP was prompted by “prolonged internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges” within the party at both the national and state levels.
Noting that “these challenges have continued to create uncertainty and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State”, the statement reads in part, “After careful consideration, and in the overriding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
“These challenges have continued to create uncertainty and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State.”
Further underscoring that the governor’s primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State, the statement had said: “Consequently, it became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.”
It acknowledged that the final deliberation leading to this historic decision was held at the Government House in Gusau under the coordination and leadership of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders.
Also the statement added, “His Excellency expressed deep appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their cooperation and support over the years. However, he noted that the present political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party have made it necessary to take this bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.
“By joining the APC, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government. The Government therefore calls on all citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful, and supportive as the state enters this new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development.”
Before this latest development, the state chapter of PDP had faced a series of defections in recent months, including lawmakers of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and thousands of party members moving to the APC, reflecting growing political shifts within the state’s political environment.
