Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has firmly denied rumours suggesting he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to another political party, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Wednesday, Governor Lawal described the reports as unfounded speculation. He stressed his commitment to the PDP, dismissing suggestions of a looming defection.
“First of all, I’m glad you called it a rumour. Yes, different political parties like the APC and ADC may be inviting me, but I remain a card-carrying member of the PDP,” he said. “I have no plans to leave the party.”
Addressing claims that he might be seeking political protection by aligning with the APC amid rising opposition, Lawal dismissed such narratives as baseless. “All the opposition forces were present in 2023, and I defeated them. Why would I be afraid of them now?” he said.
He also took aim at some key opposition leaders in the state, including former governors Sani Yerima and Bello Matawalle, expressing confidence in his ability to overcome any future political challenges, including the 2027 elections.
Governor Lawal acknowledged internal tensions within the PDP but said efforts are underway to resolve them. “Yes, there is an internal crisis in the PDP, but we’re working through it. It’s only a matter of time before things are back on track,” he assured.
When asked about his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lawal described it as cordial despite their political differences. “I have a good relationship with the President, even though we’re in different parties.”
On whether he would support President Tinubu in the 2027 election, the governor declined to give a definitive answer. “Let’s wait and see how things unfold. There’s still time before 2027. For now, our focus should be on governance, not politics,” he concluded.
