By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The North-West caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the decision of Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, to join the ruling party as a bold and appropriate political move.

The party said the governor’s defection would strengthen his political future and further consolidate the party’s presence in the North-West region.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Garba Datti Muhammad, the party said Governor Lawal had aligned himself with the progressives at the centre.

Muhammad noted that the APC provides a level playing field for both old and new members, assuring that the party protects the rights of all its members and creates opportunities for them to thrive politically.

He expressed delight that the Zamfara governor joined the party alongside thousands of his supporters and loyalists, describing the move as being in the best interest of the people of the state.

“We, the APC family in the North-West, are glad to welcome Governor Dauda Lawal to our fold. We are not surprised that the governor took the bold step to align with the centre in recognition of the tremendous achievements of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Muhammad said.

According to him, the North-West region has continued to enjoy significant support from the APC-led Federal Government, noting that the development has strengthened the party’s hold in the zone.

He said the APC now controls all the seven states in the region — Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Jigawa State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Zamfara.

“It is an open secret that our region has enjoyed unprecedented support from the APC-led administration. Today, the entire seven states in the North-West are in the firm grip of the APC,” he said.

Muhammad added that the ruling party remains open to welcoming more politicians who share its progressive vision for the country.

“Our party is a home to all, and we need forward-looking politicians like Governor Dauda Lawal with us. We want all hands to be on deck to move Nigeria forward,” he added.