The Zamfara APC Integrity Network (ZAIN), a coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) youths, has vehemently rejected rumours of Governor Dauda Lawal's planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing his administration as a "political liability" with a record of poor governance.
In a statement released on Monday in Gusau and signed by ZAIN President Comrade Murtala Sani Gummi, the group claimed to have credible intelligence that Governor Lawal was lobbying to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in an attempt to align with the centre and maintain political relevance.
"We want to make it categorically clear that Governor Dauda Lawal is not welcome in the APC. He is a huge liability, and any attempt to accept him into the party will damage our chances in 2027. Zamfara has suffered under his administration. The streets are not safe, civil servants are groaning, and there's no tangible infrastructure to speak of," Gummi stated.
Desperate Political Move
The youth coalition characterized Lawal's rumoured defection as a desperate political maneuver designed to mask his failures and capitalize on President Tinubu's growing popularity in the North. They contrasted the governor's performance with that of the President, noting that while Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership with the gradual stabilization of the economy and renewed military operations in the North-West, Governor Lawal's performance has been "abysmal in all ramifications."
ZAIN alleged that under Lawal's leadership, insecurity has worsened, salary payments have been delayed, and government institutions have weakened. "What Zamfara needs is visionary leadership — not recycled politicians jumping from party to party for personal survival," the statement emphasized.
Warning to APC Leadership
The group urged the national leadership of the APC to reject any overtures from Governor Lawal, warning that accepting him into the party would discourage youth mobilization efforts in the state. They highlighted their ongoing work to build strong grassroots structures across all 14 local governments in Zamfara to ensure APC's victory in 2027.
"President Tinubu is working. The projects are visible. But Governor Lawal has no track record to show. His defection will be viewed as an opportunistic ploy and must be resisted," Gummi added.
The youth coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged to defend the party's integrity in Zamfara State, stating: "As youths, we have the numbers, the energy, and the will. We will not allow anyone to hijack our structure and create division within the fold. The APC of 2025 is not a dumping ground for underperforming politicians."
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