Political tension is mounting in Zamfara State as Governor Dauda Lawal weighs his political future amid growing uncertainty within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Amid the current turmoil within the opposition party, Governor Lawal is understood to have summoned an emergency meeting of key cabinet members and influential stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward, particularly as preparations gather pace ahead of the next election cycle.
According to a source familiar with proceedings, the governor convened the high-level meeting on Friday night at the Rescue Hall within the Government House in Gusau. Those in attendance reportedly included the state party chairman, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, and several respected party elders.
Strategic discussions were said to have taken place, focusing on the governor’s political direction as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission signals the commencement of political activities in April.
For months, speculation has swirled regarding Governor Lawal’s possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Although his close aides repeatedly dismissed such claims, prominent APC chieftains have insisted that discussions were underway. One party figure, Musa Mailaya Mada, previously disclosed that the governor had reached out to APC leaders in Abuja concerning a potential move to the ruling party.
However, sources suggest that Friday’s emergency meeting has complicated the narrative. During deliberations, Governor Lawal reportedly told stakeholders that he intends, for now, to remain within the PDP despite its internal crisis. He is said to be awaiting the outcome of an appeal related to party leadership disputes before making any definitive decision.
Participants at the meeting were divided. While some stakeholders urged the governor to remain in the PDP, citing a recent court victory that affirmed the Turaki-led executive as the legitimate state leadership, others argued strongly for defection. Proponents of a move to the APC noted that all six governors in the North West geopolitical zone are currently APC members, leaving Lawal politically isolated.
Others proposed an alternative route, suggesting a switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they believe could offer a viable platform given what they describe as waning public support for the APC.
Although there has been no official statement from the state PDP chapter, party stalwart Kabir Amadu Mai Palace indicated that broader consultations would continue at ward and local government levels. Sources further disclosed that a strategic committee may be constituted, with the governor expected to make a formal pronouncement shortly after the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
