Zamfara state deputy governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, has announced the defection of the state’s leadership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The news means President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has further consolidated his political grip across Nigeria following the defection of the Zamfara state government to the APC.

In a video that has gone viral, the announcement was made by Zamfara Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal, confirming that the state leadership had formally aligned with the ruling party.

The move widens Tinubu’s influence at the subnational level, with the APC now governing more than 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states. The development reinforces the party’s dominance as 2027 general elections draw near.

Barely any last minute change, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and his Oyo State counterpart Seyi Makinde will quit their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, before April, DAILY POST reports.

It has been a tumultuous period for the PDP as its key leaders continue to defect following the protracted leadership tussle bedeviling the opposition platform.

A credible source familiar with developments in the party told DAILY POST weekend that while Bala Mohammed is on his way to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Makinde has concluded plans to join the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The source, who spoke anonymously, told our correspondent that “all the PDP leaders are leaving. Bala Mohammed is already in APC, Makinde is on his way to ADC”.

How governors resigned from PDP

Since 2023 general elections, no fewer than 9 PDP governors have left the party, citing an irreconcilable crisis in the opposition party.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State was first to dump the party for APC in April 2025.

Subsequently, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom joined the ruling party in June 2025, followed by Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who also decamped to APC in October 2025.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri joined APC in November 2025, followed by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who also defected to the ruling party in December 2025.

In January this year, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State all dumped PDP for the ruling party.

Only Ademola Adeleke of Osun State defected to the Accord Party in December 2025.

Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has indicated interest to dump PDP for APC.

DAILY POST gathered that Governor Dauda will be officially received into the party immediately after the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Both federal and state lawmakers are not left out in the gale of defections from the PDP to the ruling APC.

According to a tracking by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre up to January 2026, 66 PDP federal lawmakers have defected to APC since the 10th National Assembly began in June 2023.

No fewer than 19 senators and 47 House of Representatives members dumped PDP for APC

Defectors move to beat INEC deadline

Politicians planning to defect to another party are under pressure to conclude their plans before April following the new election timetable recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In the new timetable, INEC fixed January 16, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state houses of assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

However, the conduct of party primary elections, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.

DAILY POST reports that under the revised schedule, political parties are required to submit their membership register to the electoral body between April 1, 2026 and April 21, 2026 in line with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The electoral law requires registers to be submitted “not later than 21 days to the conduct of party primaries.”

Similarly, political parties must conduct their primaries latest May 30, 2026 to enable them “democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026,” said INEC.

Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, prepares to make what he has described as a “major announcement” regarding his political future.

The planned declaration, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, has already stirred intense speculation across the country’s political space.

The former Bayelsa State governor is widely believed to be on the verge of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a political platform he has long been associated with.

However, the anticipated announcement could formally confirm his defection to another party as political alignments gradually begin to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson disclosed on Wednesday that he would address journalists and the public during a press conference set for 2:00 pm on Thursday. The announcement is expected to clarify his next political steps and the platform through which he intends to pursue his future ambitions.

In a brief message posted on his verified X account, the senator hinted that the statement would focus on broader issues affecting the country’s democratic direction and the future of his constituents.

He wrote, “A Major Announcement is Coming!!! Tomorrow, Thursday, 5th March 2026, at 2:00 PM. I will be making an important statement at a Press Conference addressing the future of our people and our democracy.

“Stay tuned. Be ready. Be part of the moment. #NDC #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections.”

Although Dickson did not openly state the nature of the announcement, the hashtags attached to the post have fuelled speculation that he may be aligning with the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Political watchers believe the NDC could emerge as a fresh opposition platform ahead of the 2027 polls. The party was recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has begun attracting attention within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Sources familiar with the development suggest that Dickson may be considering the new platform as a way to strengthen opposition politics in Bayelsa State, particularly following recent changes in the state’s political structure.

The speculation gained momentum after Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri reportedly left the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that significantly altered the balance of power in the oil-rich state.

With the PDP’s structure in Bayelsa facing uncertainty, Dickson’s expected departure could further reshape political alliances as leaders begin repositioning ahead of the next election cycle.

Efforts to obtain clarification from the senator’s camp were unsuccessful. His media aide, Ajiri Daniel, declined to comment on the matter when contacted, insisting that the senator would personally address all issues during the scheduled press conference.

“Let us not be in a hurry. Senator Dickson will address whatever questions you will raise at the press conference tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Democratic Congress is among the political parties recently cleared by the electoral commission to operate in the country. The registration followed a review of numerous applications submitted by political associations seeking recognition.

Political analysts say the emergence of new parties could play a major role in shaping the political contest leading up to 2027, particularly in states where opposition figures are seeking alternatives to existing party structures.

Dickson has remained one of the most outspoken critics of the APC government in the Senate and has consistently advocated for stronger democratic institutions.

His influence in Bayelsa politics, built during his tenure as governor, continues to make him a prominent figure in the state.

Reactions have also begun trailing the development on social media, with supporters and critics expressing mixed opinions about his expected move.