KEY POINTS

• Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has denied reports of defecting to the APC, reaffirming his allegiance to the PDP and his focus on state development.

• The Zamfara Police Command successfully rescued six kidnapped victims in a joint operation involving local security forces.

• The developments highlight both the political resolve and security initiatives shaping Zamfara’s current governance under Governor Lawal.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially denied widespread rumors suggesting he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clarification, issued via his verified Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts on Saturday, aims to dispel growing speculation and reaffirm his dedication to the PDP and his administration’s development agenda.

“I am Dauda Lawal, a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Disregard the fake news from detractors determined to distract us from the RESCUE MISSION we have embarked on,” the Governor wrote, in a message that was both firm and focused.

Governor Lawal emphasized that his political loyalty remains with the PDP, the party under which he was elected. He stated that his primary concern is fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people of Zamfara State. “We remain focused on delivering on the promises we made to the people, and no amount of rumor-mongering will derail that mission,” he added.

The statement comes in response to media reports and political chatter claiming that the Governor was preparing to switch allegiance to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. The speculation had been fueled by recent high-profile defections and realignments in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Zamfara police rescue six kidnapped Victims in swift operation

In a related development, the Zamfara State Police Command announced the successful rescue of six kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation along the Anka-Gummi highway. The operation, carried out on April 16, involved both police officers and members of the Community Protection Guard (CPG), a local volunteer security network.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yazid Abubakar, the Command’s spokesman, detailed the rescue in an official statement. “The Police Command has successfully rescued six kidnap victims following a swift search-and-rescue operation,” he confirmed.

The operation began when an ash-colored Peugeot 206 was found abandoned by the roadside—a red flag that prompted immediate investigation.

Channelstv reports that a thorough search of the surrounding area led to the discovery and safe recovery of the six abducted individuals.

The victims were identified as Hon. Bakiru Masama, Dan Masama, Aminu Bukkuyum, Ahmad Masama, Umar Jema, and Shehu Mulluwa. According to police reports, they were safely reunited with their families shortly after being rescued.

The rescue effort is part of ongoing attempts by the Zamfara Police Command to restore peace in the state, which has long been plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes. Authorities have intensified efforts in rural areas where armed groups have previously operated with impunity.

Zamfara State, located in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, has been a hotbed of both political activity and security concerns. Governor Lawal, who assumed office under the PDP, has made security and good governance top priorities of his administration. The state’s recent police successes highlight an improved level of coordination between security agencies and local stakeholders.

Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that the Governor’s emphatic denial of defection rumors could be an effort to solidify his base and avoid distractions as preparations for the 2027 elections begin to take shape nationwide.

Governor Lawal’s commitment to the PDP and his state’s development, paired with the police’s recent security breakthrough, signals a continued focus on stability in Zamfara—both politically and in terms of public safety.