I’m still in  PDP, have no intention of going anywhere.—Gov.Lawal

Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has denied speculations that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor emphasised that he had no plans to leave the PDP for either the APC or the African Democratic Party (ADC), which was recently formed by the opposition coalition.

During his presentation on Wednesday, Governor Lawal stated that the story of his defection is still a rumour.

“First and foremost, I’m glad you mentioned a rumour that the APC, ADC, and other political parties are urging me to join their party,” Governor Lawal remarked when asked about the rumour.

“And I made it plain that I am a PDP card-carrying member who is still in the PDP; I have no plans of leaving.

“So, what you heard is a rumour, but I am still in the PDP and have no intention of going anywhere for now.”He rejected opposition forces in the state, claiming that he does not need to seek refuge with the APC to protect himself from anyone.

He claimed that all of the opposing forces were present in 2023, yet they did not prevent him from winning the governorship race in the state.

Governor Lawal has stated that he does not fear opposition figures in the state, such as previous governors Sani Yerima and Bello Matawalle, and that he will defeat them again in the 2027 election.

He acknowledged the PDP’s internal problem, but stated that the party is already working to resolve it and that it is just a matter of time before the dust settles.

Governor Lawal stated that he has a very excellent connection with President Bola Tinubu, yet the two remain in rival parties.

When asked if he would support the president in the election, the Zamfara governor responded, “Let’s see how circumstances unfold; there is still time until 2027; we still have two years down the line. So, I don’t think politics should be the primary concern right now; instead, I believe we should focus on governance.”