Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, set the record straight regarding the crisis rocking his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), refusing to lay the blame squarely at the feet of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku flew the PDP banner in the 2023 presidential election. However, it was his emergence at the primaries that escalated the simmering crisis in the party, leading to its eventual defeat in the contest.
Many observers have suggested that Atiku’s refusal to give up his presidential ambition has been fueling the crisis, even though the former Vice President seems to be hedging his bets with a planned coalition.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Zamfara on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Lawal highlighted the root cause of the PDP crisis, apportioning blame to everyone involved in the feud.
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“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar; it’s beyond him,” he said.
“It’s an internal problem within the PDP, and we are making a conscious effort. I think it’s about people’s egos — everybody, no exception.”
The Governor also didn’t exonerate himself from blame over the PDP internal scuffle, as he responded in the affirmative after he was asked if he included himself among those contributing to the ego-driven conflict. “Yes,” he admitted.
Lawal is hopeful for free and fair elections in 2027
In the same vein, the Governor commented on the Nigerian electoral process, expressing optimism that free and fair elections remain possible even though systemic challenges persist.
He cited his emergence as the first PDP governor in Zamfara State as proof that electoral fairness is achievable as the 2027 elections draw near.
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“I will say yes, because I experienced it in Zamfara State — with all the powerful people that can turn things around, with the might of the Federal Government and everything,” Lawal said.
“Yes, there will still be a free and fair election. That was what made me elected as the governor of Zamfara State. I was the first elected PDP governor in Zamfara State. So, it was a free and fair election, and I believe it will happen. It’s a matter of time.”
