The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Zamfara State, Wadatau Madawaki, has resigned his position, citing the planned defection of Governor Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress as the reason for his decision.
The Commissioner confirmed his resignation in a telephone interview, stressing his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party and his unwillingness to switch allegiance.
“I only resigned because the Governor is joining the APC, I’m a PDP member, I’ve never been an APC and I’m not ready to be an APC member,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions of any pressure from the governor, insisting his decision was voluntary.
“The governor has never forced anyone to resign, even during the stakeholders meeting, he said it that nobody will be forced to join the party, I only resigned because I think it is an honourable thing to do,” Madawaki added.
Governor Lawal has since accepted the resignation and directed the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, to oversee the Ministry of Education in an acting capacity.
The directive was conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, who said the appointment takes immediate effect.
Governor Lawal expressed confidence in Gajam’s ability to ensure continuity and stability in the education sector, while also appreciating Madawaki for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavours.
The development follows the governor’s earlier announcement on March 9 to leave the PDP for the APC after consultations with stakeholders across the state.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Nuhu Anka, the governor said the move was driven by the need to reposition the state politically.
“The Government and PDP family of Zamfara State wish to formally inform the general public of an important political development following extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state,” the statement read.
“After careful consideration, and in the over riding interest of stability, progress, and the sustainable development of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has decided to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
The statement added that the decision followed “prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels,” which it said had created “uncertainty and distractions” affecting governance.
It further noted that aligning with the APC would provide “greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people,” particularly in addressing security challenges in the North-West state.
