Summary: Wadatau Madawaki quits as Zamfara Education Commissioner after Governor Dauda Lawal and all 24 House of Assembly members defect from PDP to APC in historic political realignment.
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Wadatau Madawaki has stepped down as Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology following Governor Dauda Lawal’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Madawaki’s resignation comes as a matter of principle and party loyalty. In his own words: “I only resigned because the governor is joining the APC. I’m a PDP member… and I’m not ready to be an APC member.”
The former commissioner was quick to dispel rumours of coercion or pressure from the state government. “The governor has never forced anyone to resign,” he clarified. “I only resigned because I think it is an honourable thing to do.”
The Zamfara State Government has officially accepted Madawaki’s resignation, with government spokesperson Abubakar Nakwada confirming that Abdulmalik Gajam will serve as acting commissioner.
Total House of Assembly Takeover
But Madawaki’s resignation is just one piece of a much larger political puzzle unfolding in Zamfara State. In an unprecedented move, all 24 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling APC.
Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki made the historic announcement during plenary in Gusau, explaining the rationale behind the mass defection: “It became necessary for all of us to support Gov. Dauda Lawal to bring more development to the state.”
Among the high-profile defectors are:
– Deputy Speaker Adamu Aliyu
– Majority Leader Bello Mazawaje
– Chief Whip Rilwanu Nagambo
With this wholesale defection, the APC now enjoys complete control of the Zamfara State House of Assembly—a development that fundamentally alters the political dynamics in the state.
Governor Leads the Charge
Governor Dauda Lawal himself led the defection parade, taking along his deputy, Mani Mummuni, and several members of the state executive council. The governor cited internal challenges within the PDP as the primary reason for abandoning ship.
This mass exodus has effectively handed the APC total control of both the executive and legislative arms of government in Zamfara State—a rare political alignment that could have far-reaching implications for governance and development in the state.
What’s Next?
The APC has wasted no time in capitalizing on this political windfall. The party has scheduled an official reception ceremony for the new members, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and other party heavyweights expected to grace the occasion.
This wave of defections represents one of the most significant political realignments in recent Nigerian politics. As Zamfara State now sits firmly in APC territory, questions remain about what this means for opposition politics in the state and whether this trend will spread to other states ahead of future elections.
For now, one thing is clear: the political landscape in Zamfara has been fundamentally redrawn, and only time will tell whether this consolidation of power translates into the promised development for the people of Zamfara State.
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