Zamfara commissioner resigns as governor and entire assembly defect to APC

Wadatau Madawaki has resigned as Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology following a major political shift triggered by Dauda Lawal’s defection to the All Progressives Congress.

Madawaki said his decision was based on loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, stating: “I only resigned because the governor is joining the APC. I’m a PDP member… and I’m not ready to be an APC member.” He dismissed claims of coercion, adding: “The governor has never forced anyone to resign… I only resigned because I think it is an honourable thing to do.”

The Zamfara State Government has since accepted his resignation, with Abubakar Nakwada confirming that Abdulmalik Gajam will act in the role. The development comes amid sweeping defections in the state, as members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly moved en masse from the PDP to the APC.

Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki announced the shift during plenary in Gusau, saying: “It became necessary for all of us to support Gov. Dauda Lawal to bring more development to the state.” Key lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu, Majority Leader Bello Mazawaje and Chief Whip Rilwanu Nagambo, were among those who defected.

Following the move, all 24 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly are now aligned with the APC, giving the party full control of the legislature. Governor Lawal also defected alongside his deputy, Mani Mummuni, and several members of the state executive council, citing internal challenges within the PDP.

The APC has scheduled an official reception for the new members, expected to be attended by Kashim Shettima and other party leaders. The wave of defections marks a significant political realignment in Zamfara, with both the executive and legislative arms of government now under APC control.