Zamfara Education Commissioner Resigns as Governor and Assembly Members Join APC

The political landscape in Zamfara State witnessed a significant change recently as Wadatau Madawaki, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, resigned his position after Governor Dauda Lawal switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This shift was accompanied by the defection of all members of the State Assembly, intensifying political realignments in the region.

Madawaki cited his commitment to the PDP as the reason for his resignation, insisting that he could not transition to the APC, stating, "I only resigned because the governor is joining the APC. I’m a PDP member, I’ve never been in the APC, and I’m not ready to be an APC member," in an interview with Channels Television.

Mr. Madawaki refuted claims that he faced any pressure regarding his decision, reaffirming that his resignation was a personal choice. "The governor has never forced anyone to resign. I only resigned because I think it is an honourable thing to do," he added.

The Zamfara State Government has accepted Madawaki's resignation, with the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, announcing that Abdulmalik Gajam, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, would assume temporary responsibilities as the Minister of Education.

In the wake of the governor's defection, 12 other lawmakers, led by the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, also left the PDP for the APC. Moriki explained that the decision was made to align with Governor Dauda Lawal and foster greater cooperation with the federal government, emphasizing the necessity to support the governor for developmental purposes.

Key figures among those who defected include Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu, Majority Leader Bello Mazawaje, and Chief Whip Rilwanu Nagambo. With these recent changes, the APC has gained control of all 24 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly.

Governor Lawal, who departed the PDP due to internal issues within the party, was accompanied by his deputy, Mani Mummuni, and other executive council members. The APC National Secretariat has already planned a formal reception for the governor and those who have defected, which will be attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other party officials.

This political shift marks a pivotal moment in Zamfara’s governance, consolidating the APC's influence over both the executive and legislative arms of the state.