BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Zamfara State Government after extensive consultations with political stakeholders, elders, party leaders, and supporters across the state.

According to the statement, the governor’s decision was largely influenced by the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, including leadership disagreements and unresolved structural challenges at both the national and state levels.

Officials said the persistent disputes within the opposition party had created uncertainty capable of distracting from governance and slowing development efforts in Zamfara State.

Governor Lawal explained that his priority remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara, stressing that aligning with a political platform that ensures greater unity and stronger collaboration with the Federal Government became necessary.

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The government revealed that the final deliberation leading to the decision took place at the Government House in Gusau, where senior government officials and key political stakeholders met under the coordination of the deputy governor.

In the statement, the governor also expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the PDP for their support over the years.

However, he noted that current political realities and the unresolved crisis within the party made it necessary for him to take what he described as a 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 Zamfara State benefits from stronger federal collaboration.

The state government also called on citizens, political leaders, and party supporters to remain calm and supportive as Zamfara enters a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development.

The statement announcing the defection was signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General of Media and Communication in the Office of the Governor.

BREAKING: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC

Appeal Court Dismisses Turaki-Led PDP Faction, Bars INEC from Recognising Ibadan Convention

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki‑led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), upholding a Federal High Court ruling that bars the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the party’s disputed Ibadan National Convention.

A three‑member panel of the appellate court delivered a unanimous judgment on nine harmonised appeals, rejecting arguments that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. The court emphasized that alleged violations of both the PDP constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be treated as internal party matters. The court also awarded N2 million in costs against the Turaki faction, describing the appeal as lacking merit. Analysts note that the decision deepens the leadership crisis within the PDP and may influence upcoming party elections and candidate selection processes.

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The legal battle arose from the PDP’s November 15–16, 2025, National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the Turaki faction sought to consolidate leadership. Rival factions challenged the convention, claiming violations of party rules and statutory requirements, leading to multiple court interventions. The dispute has been complicated by conflicting judgments from the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, with each court providing opposing rulings on the convention’s legality. The Court of Appeal’s latest ruling now reinforces the Abuja High Court judgment, effectively preventing INEC from validating the convention outcomes.

The ruling may push the Turaki faction to consider further legal action, possibly at the Supreme Court, but party observers warn that prolonged litigation could weaken PDP’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections. Meanwhile, calls for conciliation and unity talks are growing louder among PDP stakeholders, with leaders urging dialogue to resolve internal disputes and maintain the party’s credibility.

Appeal Court Dismisses Turaki-Led PDP Faction, Bars INEC from Recognising Ibadan Convention

Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members

Violence erupted on Saturday as suspected hoodlums disrupted the local government congress of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, leaving several party members injured and properties vandalised across Oyo State.

The attacks reportedly occurred at multiple congress venues, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso North, Akinyele, and Ibarapa Central local government areas, where members of the Wike-backed PDP faction had gathered to conduct their internal party elections.

According to a member of the faction, Julius Adekunle, the hoodlums stormed several designated venues of the PDP local government congress in what he described as a coordinated assault. He said the attackers targeted many of the venues simultaneously, suggesting that the disruption was carefully planned.

Adekunle disclosed that at least 10 party members were attacked, while several vehicles and other properties belonging to participants were vandalised during the chaos. The violence forced many attendees to flee the venues for safety.

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One of the most notable incidents occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan, where the residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Hazeem Gbolarunmi, was reportedly invaded by the hoodlums. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack, including vehicles parked within the premises.

The chairman of the faction in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the attacks and described the situation as chaotic. He said the violence disrupted the PDP congress in Oyo State and raised concerns about the safety of party members participating in the exercise.

Akinoso called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted. He stressed the need for adequate security during political activities to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

The incident highlights the deepening crisis within the PDP in Oyo State, where rival factions linked to Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde have been locked in a prolonged struggle for control of the party’s structure.

Political observers say the violence could further intensify tensions within the party as both factions continue to battle for dominance ahead of future political contests.

Despite the attacks, leaders of the Wike-aligned faction insisted they remain committed to strengthening their structure within the party and would not be intimidated by acts of violence.

Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members