Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday arrived in Zamfara State to formally welcome Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most significant political realignments in the North-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, touched down in Gusau for a grand reception organised at the Trade Fair Complex to receive the governor, members of his cabinet, and thousands of supporters defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President was received by an influential bloc of political heavyweights.

Present at the airport were the governors of Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Adamawa Umar Namadi, Uba Sani, Dapo Abiodun, and Ahmadu Fintiri as well as the governors of Plateau, Kano and Sokoto, Caleb Mutfwang, Abba Kabir Yusuf and Ahmad Aliyu.

Also in attendance to receive Shettima were the Deputy Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the APC National Chairman, the APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma, ministers, lawmakers and top party chieftains.

Governor Lawal officially dumped the PDP on March 9 after weeks of political consultations with stakeholders across the state.

A statement previously issued by the Zamfara PDP described the defection as a decision taken in the interest of stability, progress and sustainable development for the state.

The Vice President’s visit and the high-powered delegation accompanying him signal the APC’s growing consolidation in the North-West, as the party intensifies efforts to expand its influence and unify political structures across the region ahead of major national contests.