Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has publicly alleged that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is selectively distributing palliative funds based on political affiliation, claiming opposition-led states like his are being deliberately excluded.
In a recent statement that has sparked widespread discussion, Governor Lawal said he is aware of certain states implied to be those controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that have received over ₦500 billion in federal palliatives to cushion the effects of economic hardships, including fuel subsidy removal.
In contrast, he asserted that Zamfara State, governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has received nothing."I know of states that have received over 500 billion Naira from the Federal Government as palliative, but I have never received anything," Governor Lawal stated. "I think the reason I don't get it is because I'm not in APC."
The governor's remarks, captured in circulating video clips, appear to highlight growing frustrations among some opposition governors regarding perceived favoritism in federal resource allocation. Similar complaints have surfaced from other PDP-led states, including allegations of withheld local government funds.
Palliatives encompassing cash transfers, food items, and other relief measures — were rolled out nationwide following the 2023 removal of fuel subsidies, which triggered inflation and increased living costs.
The Federal Government provided initial support packages to states, though distribution and additional disbursements have varied. Governor Lawal's administration has independently implemented palliative programs in Zamfara, including the distribution of food items, grains to civil servants, and other interventions funded at the state level to support vulnerable residents.
Earlier statements from his office emphasized equitable access regardless of political ties.The allegation has fueled online debates about political defections, with some observers suggesting that such disparities may influence governors' decisions to switch to the APC for better access to federal resources. However, Governor Lawal has repeatedly denied rumors of defecting from the PDP.
Neither the Presidency nor the APC has immediately responded to the governor's specific claims. The development underscores ongoing tensions between federal and state governments amid Nigeria's economic challenges.
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