Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has described the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a broader clash of egos among party members, rather than a dispute centred solely on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Lawal said the internal turmoil results from personal interests and power struggles, adding that everyone in the party has their own issues.
“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar. It’s beyond him,” he stated.
“It’s an internal problem within the PDP, and we are making conscious efforts to address it. I think it’s about people’s egos, everybody, no exception,” he added.
While some party members have accused President Bola Tinubu of allegedly influencing the PDP crisis from outside, Governor Lawal dismissed the notion that external forces are solely to blame.
READ ALSO: PDP will learn from past mistakes, get stronger – Gov Lawal
Lawal dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is the main external force behind the PDP’s problems. When asked if he considered himself part of the problem, the governor candidly replied, “Yes.”
On the prospects of free and fair elections in Nigeria, Lawal expressed optimism despite systemic challenges. Citing his own victory as the first elected PDP governor in Zamfara, he said that fair elections are possible even against powerful opposition.
Citing his own experience in Zamfara, he said, “I will say yes because I experienced it. With all the powerful people and the might of the Federal Government, I still won.
“It was a free and fair election. That’s how I became the first elected PDP governor in Zamfara State. So yes, it can happen again, it’s only a matter of time.”
His comments come as the PDP continues efforts to reconcile differences and rebuild ahead of the 2027 general elections.
READ ALSO: I Didn’t sponsor bandits, Matawalle replies Gov Lawal
