The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the defection of one of Governor Dauda Lawal’s major campaign sponsors, Alhaji Bashir Adamu Imad, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Imad Petroleum Nigeria Limited, to the party.
In a statement issued by the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party disclosed that Alhaji Imad, popularly known as Imad, met personally with the APC leader in the state and Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in Abuja to officially declare his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Imad attributed his decision to leave the PDP to what he described as a lack of focus and poor leadership within the party—factors he said have hindered the delivery of democratic dividends to the people. He stated that he has moved to the APC along with hundreds of his loyal supporters from the PDP.
According to him, “The PDP in Zamfara has failed the citizens through unfulfilled campaign promises and the poor leadership style of Governor Dauda Lawal in managing the affairs of the state.”
Imad explained that he decided to join the APC ahead of the Minister’s planned visit to Zamfara State so that he could be formally recognized as a card-carrying member of the party before the event. He also revealed that many prominent PDP figures in the state are making plans to join the APC soon.
He commended the leadership of the APC under Dr. Bello Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari for uniting the party and building it into a strong and formidable political force that will ensure victory in the 2027 general elections.
Alhaji Imad, a prominent businessman, former gubernatorial candidate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2019, and Chairman of Imad Petroleum Company, which operates several filling stations across Nigeria, formally dumped the PDP for the APC.
In his response, the APC leader and immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, expressed gratitude to God for bringing influential personalities like Imad into the APC, describing him as a political heavyweight whose influence extends across the state and beyond.
Matawalle stated that with more leaders and their supporters defecting from other political parties—especially the ruling PDP—the APC is on course to reclaim its “stolen mandate” in Zamfara State come 2027.
He added that while the party will soon organize a grand reception to formally welcome Imad and his supporters, they are already recognized as full members of the APC and will enjoy equal rights and privileges with other party members.
The defection of Alhaji Imad, according to political observers, further heightens concerns within the PDP over the growing influence of Dr. Matawalle, Senator Yari, and other APC leaders who continue to attract new members to the party.
The APC in Zamfara congratulated Alhaji Imad and his followers for joining the progressive fold
