Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has described the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a clash of egos and personal interests, insisting the turmoil goes beyond the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Gusau on Wednesday, Governor Lawal said the challenges confronting the party are rooted in internal power struggles rather than external manipulation.
“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar. It’s beyond him,” Lawal stated. “It’s an internal problem within the PDP, and we are making conscious efforts to address it. I think it’s about people’s egos—everybody, no exception.”
While some party members have accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating the crisis from outside the party, Lawal dismissed such claims, noting that the blame lies squarely within the PDP’s ranks.
When asked whether he considered himself part of the problem, the governor answered with striking honesty: “Yes.”
Turning to Nigeria’s electoral system, Governor Lawal expressed optimism about the prospects of free and fair elections, citing his own victory as evidence that credible polls are still possible.
“I will say yes because I experienced it. With all the powerful people and the might of the Federal Government, I still won,” he said. “It was a free and fair election. That’s how I became the first elected PDP governor in Zamfara State. So yes, it can happen again—it’s only a matter of time.”
Governor Lawal’s comments come at a time when the PDP leadership is working to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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