Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has convened an emergency stakeholders' meeting to discuss his political future and re-election strategy, fueling speculation that he may dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid ongoing internal crises.
The closed-door session took place Friday night at the Rescue Hall in Government House, Gusau, attended by cabinet members, the PDP state chairman, the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, party elders, and representatives from across the state's 14 local government areas.
Speculation about a defection, particularly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified following recent PDP setbacks, including the defection of Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the APC.
Lawal remains one of the few PDP governors left, isolated in the North West zone where all six states are governed by the APC.APC chieftains, including Musa Mailaya Mada, claimed the governor had reached out to APC leaders in Abuja about defecting.
Some reports suggested stakeholders unanimously urged him to leave the PDP, with opinions split: some favored joining the APC to align with zonal dominance and exploit PDP divisions, while others proposed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a stronger opposition platform, or even forming a new party.
However, the governor clarified during the meeting that he intends to stay in the PDP for now, pending the outcome of an ongoing appeal related to the party's leadership and the Ibadan convention.
He tied his final decision to the Appeal Court's judgment on the legality of the Turaki-led executives.Lawal's Special Adviser on Media, Public Enlightenment and Communication, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, confirmed the discussions focused on strategic options ahead of the INEC timetable, which signals political activities resuming in April.
Stakeholders resolved to conduct further consultations at ward and local government levels.
A strategic committee will be formed, with the governor expected to make a definitive pronouncement shortly after Eid al-Fitr (Sallah).
PDP stalwart Kabir Amadu Mai Palace noted the meeting aimed to end speculation and chart a path forward, emphasizing broader consultations before any move.
The developments come as the PDP grapples with leadership turmoil and defections, potentially reshaping political alignments in Zamfara and the North West ahead of future elections.
No official defection has been confirmed, and the governor has not publicly declared a switch.
The situation remains fluid, with eyes on the Appeal Court ruling and ongoing party consultations.
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