Politics
Real Reasons Why APC Rejected Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal
*Why PDP Members Are Abandoning Governor’s Party
*Other Details Inclusive
By Fatima Bello
Fresh facts have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) outrightly rejected overtures from Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State to join its ranks.
The governor, it was gathered, has been branded a “political liability” whose entry would “spell doom” for the party’s prospects in the North-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
This firm stance comes amid a torrent of defections from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with key lawmakers, ward leaders, and even a gubernatorial-backed candidate abandoning ship, citing the governor’s “woeful failures” in governance as the primary catalyst.
Sources close to the APC’s state and national leadership, speaking exclusively to Aljazirah on condition of anonymity, revealed that Governor Lawal’s repeated lobbying attempts – including a high-stakes meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa earlier this week – were met with outright dismissal.
“The governor’s administration has presided over unprecedented insecurity, infrastructural decay, and economic stagnation,” one senior APC figure confided.
“Welcoming him would not only tarnish our image but also alienate our growing youth base, who see him as the architect of Zamfara’s woes.”
The APC’s rejection is rooted in several damning indictments against Lawal’s two-year tenure.
First, his alleged ties to controversial figures from past administrations, including former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and ex-Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, have raised red flags about potential corruption probes.
Insiders claim Lawal’s defection bid is less about ideology and more about seeking a “soft landing” from federal anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, which have reportedly been sniffing around his financial dealings. 
Second, the governor’s handling of the state’s security crisis – a perennial albatross in banditry-plagued Zamfara – has been lambasted as politicized incompetence.
Despite campaign promises to eradicate banditry “within two months,” attacks have intensified, with military withdrawals from key bases attributed to Abuja’s distrust of his administration. 
The governor has been accused of “hypocritically” blaming federal forces while his failures drive PDP defections, while “members are fleeing a party under a leader who lacks direction.”  
Compounding these issues is Lawal’s alleged misuse of state funds on political vendettas, including a reported ₦4 billion sunk into a failed by-election bid for a PDP candidate who promptly defected to the APC afterward.  
The governor has been slammed for his “reckless spending on futile pursuits,” which exemplifies the “incompetence” defining his rule. 
Several groups had cautioned that Lawal’s record – marked by unpaid salaries, institutional breakdowns, and a surge in banditry – makes him “unfit for the ruling party’s fold.”  
As the APC fortifies its barriers, the PDP in Zamfara is hemorrhaging members at an alarming rate, with defections accelerating over the past fortnight.
The most high-profile exit came on Tuesday when Hon. Maharazu Salisu, representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, led a mass crossover to the APC at the party’s Gusau secretariat.
Flanked by five PDP ward chairmen – including Ahmad Lawal of Gidan Goga Ward, Sanusi Ahmad Liman of Tsibiri Ward, and Lawal Mohammed of Kaya Ward – Salisu lambasted Lawal for “abandoning loyalists” and failing to deliver on core pledges like security and constituency projects.  
 “My constituents summoned me; they’ve seen no dividends of democracy under this PDP,” Salisu declared, vowing that his move signals the “end of Lawal’s grip on the assembly.” 
This follows a pattern of betrayals: Last week, former PDP by-election candidate Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro – whom sources say Lawal bankrolled with billions – defected, blaming “rising insecurity and leadership drift.” 
Earlier, Hon. Maharazu Faru (Maradun II) cited “neglect and unfulfilled promises” in his jump to the APC, accompanied by hundreds of supporters. 
Reports now swirl of seven more PDP lawmakers poised to follow, potentially slashing Lawal’s assembly allies to just four – a precarious minority that could trigger impeachment proceedings.  
APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Danfulani Maikatako hailed the influx as proof that “Zamfara will soon be entirely APC,” crediting ex-governors Bello Matawalle and Abdulaziz Yari for “shrinking the PDP through superior vision.” 
Governor Lawal, who jetted to Abuja post-defections for crisis talks with Tinubu, has downplayed the turmoil.
Yet, insiders paint a grimmer picture: Late-night huddles with wavering lawmakers reveal a governor in “panic mode,” desperate to stem the bleed before it erodes his re-election bid.
Other details emerging from our probe paint a state on the brink. The APC’s assembly dominance (now 13 seats to PDP’s 11) has stalled Lawal’s ₦545 billion 2025 budget, deemed “illegal” for procedural lapses amid suspended members.  
Cover
Renewed Hope Group Welcomes Tinubu’s Appointment of Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach
The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.
In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.
“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.
The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.
“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.
RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.
“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.
“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.
On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.
Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.
The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.
Politics
RSHA continues impeachment of Fubara, writes Chief Judge
The Rivers House of Assembly has continued its resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu.
All 26 members of the Assembly on Friday unanimously resolved during plenary to proceed with the impeachment process against both Fubara and Odu.
Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.
Politics
Sen. Yari’s constituency office lauds APC e-registration exercise in Zamfara
Hon. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, the Coordinator, Sen.. Abdul’aziz Yari Constituency office for Zamfara West Senatorial District, has commended the ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sarkinfawa, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau on Thursday, stated that the exercise would promote integrity and credibility in the party membership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC nationwide e-registration exercise commenced recently and would run until the end of this month.
He described the exercise as the bedrock for internal democracy.
“The APC e-registration would strength the party’s membership.
“The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is a wise political initiative and imperative determined to upgrade the data of the progressive party members electorally,” Sarkinfawa further said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the APC proud and wished him more strength ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
According to him, Yari and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had already built a stronger political platform in the APC structure of the state.
“Therefore, we are expecting a tremendous success.at the end of the exercise” he added.
Sarkinfawa further said, the exercise would provide an ample opportunity for all the eligible members of the party to be duly captured in its digital register.
He added, “It will also ensure accuracy, transparency and integrity in the party’s membership.
“The exercise guarantees sanity and credibility of the party’s membership register.
“A data-driven membership registration is expected to capture every eligible member of the party across the 147 political wards of the state.
“Therefore, our members should participate fully in the exercise and make sure they are captured electronically.
“I therefore urge all APC members and stakeholders in the state to take full advantage of the e-registration and participate promptly and responsibly.$
Sarkinfawa further described the APC as the most dominant political party in Zamfara and Nigeria. adding that it would record massive victories in the 2027 General Elections.
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