Digital APC Membership in Zamfara Hits New Peak Following Governor Dauda Lawal’s Strategic Defection

APC membership in Zamfara jumps by 60,000 in three days following Governor Dauda Lawal's defection. SSG Abubakar Nakwada confirms massive daily e-registration.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 10:13 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Politics Nigeria

Governor’s Defection Triggers Rapid Grassroots Realignment

The political landscape of Zamfara State has undergone a dramatic shift following the formal defection of Governor Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress. According to Abubakar Nakwada, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), this executive move has catalyzed a massive surge in the party’s digital enrollment. The administration views the rapid influx of new members as a validation of the governor’s grassroots influence and a significant blow to the opposition’s presence in the region. The defection appears to have served as a "green light" for thousands of supporters to migrate their political loyalty toward the ruling party's framework.

Breaking Down the Membership Metrics: A 62% Increase

Official data released on Monday reveals the scale of this recruitment wave. Within three days of reopening the e-membership portal, the APC recorded 60,987 new registrations. This addition has pushed the state’s total verified membership from 97,710 to 158,697—a nearly 62% increase in less than a week. Nakwada noted that as of the evening of March 15, the system was processing an average of more than 20,000 applicants per day. This momentum is expected to continue as the state government leverages its administrative reach to facilitate the digital registration process across all wards.

Supporter Commitment Amid Environmental and Religious Challenges

The timing of this membership drive coincides with both extreme seasonal weather and the ongoing period of religious fasting. Despite these physical hurdles, local observers in Gusau and Bungudu local government areas have reported high engagement levels at registration centers. The SSG commended the resilience of the citizenry, noting that the high turnout under these conditions reflects a deep-seated commitment to the governor’s "Renewed Hope" alignment. The administration is utilizing this enthusiasm to demonstrate the party’s growing popularity and organizational capacity ahead of future electoral cycles.