By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Zamfara State on Tuesday to formally receive Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event. He is expected to receive members of the governor’s cabinet and thousands of supporters into the APC during a grand reception at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex.
The statement noted that the Vice President was welcomed by Governor Lawal and a host of dignitaries, including the governors of Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Adamawa, Plateau, Kano, and Sokoto States—Umar Namadi, Uba Sani, Dapo Abiodun, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Caleb Mutfwang, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, respectively.
Also present to receive the Vice President were the Deputy Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the National Chairman of the APC, and the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, along with ministers, party chieftains, and other dignitaries.
In a statement issued by the Zamfara State PDP chapter, the party confirmed the defection, stating: “The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.
“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 to the All Progressives Congress.”
