The defection of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has precipitated a dramatic spike in the party’s electronic membership registration drive, according to state government officials.
Secretary to the Zamfara State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Nakwada, announced on Monday that total APC membership in the state has reached 158,697. This figure represents a significant increase following the reopening of the party’s digital registration portal after Governor Lawal’s party switch.
Speaking during an oversight visit to registration centres in Gusau and Bungudu local government areas, Nakwada provided specific data. Approximately 60,987 new members were registered within three days of the portal’s reopening. This new influx added to a pre-existing base of 97,710 members, culminating in the current total as of 19:30 on March 15.
The SSG noted an average daily registration rate exceeding 20,000 individuals, attributing the momentum to Governor Lawal’s perceived grassroots connection and the APC’s growing political traction in the state. He expressed confidence that the party would achieve its revised membership target ahead of the March 25 deadline.
Nakwada also acknowledged the dedication of prospective members, observing strong turnout despite challenging environmental conditions and the ongoing period of daylight fasting. Reaffirming the governor’s dedication to state affairs, the SSG stated that the administration would remain focused on the welfare and interests of Zamfara’s residents.
This rapid mobilization underscores the immediate political impact of high-profile defections in Nigeria’s party system, translating executive alignment into quantifiable party growth ahead of future electoral cycles. The exercise continues as the APC seeks to consolidate its organizational strength in the northwestern state.
