The Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, has resigned from his position.
Madawaki confirmed the development in a telephone interview, attributing his decision to the planned defection of Governor Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasised that he remains loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has no intention of joining the APC.
“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.”
Addressing speculation about possible pressure, the former commissioner denied being compelled to step down, stating that the 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.”
Meanwhile, Governor Lawal has accepted his resignation.
The Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, announced that the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, has been directed to oversee the Ministry of Education in an acting capacity with immediate effect.
Governor Lawal expressed confidence in Gajam’s ability to maintain continuity and stability within the state’s education sector, while also appreciating Madawaki’s service and wishing him well in his future endeavours.
The governor had earlier, on 9 March, announced his decision to leave the PDP for the APC following consultations with stakeholders across the state.
“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,” his media aide, Nuhu Anka, said at the time.
“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).
This decision was reached after wide consultations with political stakeholders and supporters, particularly in view of the prolonged internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges within the PDP at both the national and state levels.
These challenges have continued to create uncertainty and distractions that could hinder effective governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State.”
He added that the move was aimed at improving security and governance by aligning with a platform that offers greater unity and cooperation with the Federal Government.