Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has identified internal ego clashes among members as the root cause of the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the situation goes far beyond the influence or role of former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The PDP has been rocked by waves of defections and unending leadership disputes since its loss in the 2023 general elections.
Notably, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), followed closely by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as well as federal lawmakers.
Further compounding the crisis is the rejection by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a notice for the party’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30. In a letter dated June 13, INEC cited non-compliance with procedural requirements, stating that the notice was signed only by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum without the co-signature of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, as mandated by its rules.
The NEC meeting was allegedly set up to address unresolved zoning controversies, growing factionalism, and agitation by the G5 group led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Amid these developments, Governor Lawal, during a media parley with journalists in Gusau on Wednesday, said every party member is responsible for the crisis.
“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar; it’s beyond him,” the governor declared.
“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,” he added.
Asked whether he considered himself part of the ego-driven crisis, Lawal did not mince words. “Yes,” he responded.
“Yes, there will still be a free and fair election. That was what made me elected as the governor of Zamfara State,” he said.
“With all the powerful people that can turn things around, with the might of the Federal Government and everything… I will say yes, because I experienced it in Zamfara State.”
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
