The latest blow came as Hon. Maharazu Salisu (Maradun II constituency), popularly known as Hon. Faru, defected to the APC, citing "pressure from constituents" over unmet campaign promises. "My people summoned me, saying the PDP has neglected us. Despite my efforts, we’ve seen no projects or appointments," Salisu stated during his announcement at the APC State Secretariat in Gusau. He was joined by PDP leaders from five wards—Faru/Magami, Gidan Goga, Kaya, Tsibiri, and Gora—and another in Maradun town.
This marks the second high-profile defection in weeks. Earlier, a PDP candidate—reportedly backed by Lawal with over ₦4 billion in a by-election—also switched allegiance to the APC, criticizing the governor’s "poor governance" and "rising public dissatisfaction."
The governor now faces a hostile State Assembly, where the APC holds 13 of 24 seats. Sources reveal seven additional PDP lawmakers are poised to defect, which would leave Lawal with just four loyalists—raising impeachment risks. During a tense closed-door meeting with legislators on Monday, Lawal allegedly admitted fears of losing power but hinted at "international options," claiming ownership of properties in London, Dubai, the U.S., and Germany.
The Northern APC Stakeholders Forum has further isolated Lawal, ruling out any alliance. Chairman Alhaji Adamu Musa declared: "We welcome governors who serve the people, but Dauda Lawal’s record is abject failure. His entry would trigger a mass exodus from our party." Musa accused Lawal of leaving Zamfara "economically stagnant, socially divided, and politically stifled," with rampant insecurity and crumbling infrastructure.
APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Danfulani Maikatako welcomed defectors, vowing Zamfara would "soon be entirely APC." He credited party leaders like Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle for empowerment programs, assuring equal opportunities for new members.
Analysts say the defections reflect deepening discontent with Lawal’s administration, potentially reshaping Zamfara’s political landscape ahead of 2027.