Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has pointed to internal ego clashes among party members as the true drivers of the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), distancing the turmoil from former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking during a media parley in Gusau on Wednesday, Governor Lawal stated that the leadership struggles and infighting within the PDP go deeper than any single individual.

 “Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar; it’s beyond him,” Lawal said.

“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.”

In a candid moment, when asked whether he considered himself part of the ego-driven tension, Lawal responded affirmatively: “Yes.”

 

The PDP has faced escalating internal turmoil since its defeat in the 2023 general elections, with prominent defections worsening the situation. In recent weeks, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with some federal lawmakers, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adding to the party’s woes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected a notice for the PDP’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30. In a letter dated June 13, INEC cited procedural irregularities, noting that the notice was only signed by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum without the required co-signature of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

The NEC meeting was intended to tackle unresolved issues such as zoning arrangements, rising factionalism, and tensions stirred by the influential G5 group led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Despite the crisis, Governor Lawal expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system and the possibility of transparent electoral processes.

 “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.”