APC Membership Surges in Zamfara Following Governor's Defection as PDP Cries Foul
Nigeria's ruling APC records over 20,000 daily registrations in Zamfara state days after Governor Lawal's defection from PDP, which accuses the ruling party of orchestrating 'political genocide' through systematic poaching of opposition officials.
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Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a dramatic surge in membership registrations in Zamfara state, averaging 20,329 new members daily following Governor Dauda Lawal's recent defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to Premium Times.
The development has intensified tensions between Nigeria's two major political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the PDP accusing the APC of waging "political genocide" through orchestrated defections of opposition officeholders. The PDP dismissed APC claims that it is no longer a functioning political platform as "most unfortunate," according to Daily Trust.
Tax Reform and Cabinet Reshuffles
President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in Taiwo Oyedele as minister, praising his role in overhauling Nigeria's tax system. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged Oyedele's "key role in helping Nigeria rewrite its entire tax policy and championing its transition from a long reliance on an opaque and obsolete tax structure," Premium Times reported.
Governor Lawal, whose defection triggered the Zamfara membership surge, has been included in Tinubu's delegation for an upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom scheduled to depart Tuesday. The inclusion signals the governor's elevated status within the ruling party following his switch.
State-Level Political Activity
Anambra state held an inter-denominational service ahead of Governor Charles Soludo's inauguration for a second term on 17 March. Meanwhile, in Oyo state, PDP governorship aspirant Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo called for unity and peaceful coexistence at a Ramadan lecture, positioning himself for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Civil society organization Enough is Enough Nigeria marked its 16th anniversary by calling for increased citizen engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, reflecting on its impact on communities and governance over nearly two decades of advocacy work, according to Premium Times.
The APC's membership gains in Zamfara demonstrate what the ruling party describes as Governor Lawal's "formidable grassroots appeal," though the PDP maintains that such defections represent coordinated political strategy rather than organic popular support.