The Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, has resigned his position following plans by Governor Dauda Lawal to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Madawaki confirmed his resignation in a telephone interview, stressing his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his unwillingness to switch allegiance.
“I only resigned because the governor is joining the APC. I am a PDP member, I have never been in the APC, and I am not ready to become a member,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that he was pressured to step down, maintaining that his decision was voluntary.
“The governor has never forced anyone to resign. Even during the stakeholders’ meeting, he made it clear that no one would be compelled to join the party. I only resigned because I believe it is the honourable thing to do,” Madawaki added.
Governor Lawal has 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. He also appreciated Madawaki for his service and wished 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 aimed at repositioning 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 overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has decided to formally defect from the PDP to the APC.”
The statement added that the decision followed prolonged internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both national and state levels, which 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, particularly in addressing security challenges in the North-West state.
If you want, I can tighten it further into a punchier newspaper version or headline-focused breaking news style.
