2027: I Won’t Quit PDP, Says Gov Lawal

2027: I Won’t Quit PDP, Says Gov Lawal

By Joy Musa

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that he will not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he is prepared to remain the “last man standing” in the main opposition party.

The governor, who spoke in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, said he was not in a hurry to join any other political party, stressing that loyalty to the PDP platform that brought him to power in 2023 remains paramount.

Lawal, a first-term governor, however, noted that the only circumstance that could force him to leave the PDP would be if the party becomes completely incapacitated and unable to field candidates in the 2027 elections.

“I will remain in PDP till the last day,” the governor said. “If I realise there is no PDP, which means there is no platform for me to contest, I will run as an independent candidate if there is a provision for independent candidacy in Nigeria.”

He acknowledged the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the PDP and the concerns surrounding his political future, especially following the defection of several PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite this, Lawal maintained that he was not worried and would not betray the party.

“So, I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere until the end. When I realise PDP cannot move anywhere, then I have to make a decision. And I won’t take that decision alone. I will consult because politics is local. You need to hear the people’s view,” he said.

The PDP has reportedly lost seven sitting governors to the APC in recent months, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalyi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau). Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State also defected from the PDP to the Accord Party.

Reacting to concerns that he may be the only first-term PDP governor heading into the next election cycle, Lawal dismissed fears of political isolation. “I’m the only one who’s a first-timer and still staying put in our party, but there is nothing to worry about,” he said.

He reiterated that his decision to stay with the PDP was driven by principle and gratitude. “I’m not going to betray my party because I got elected on its platform. However, if that platform is not available for whatever reason, then I have every reason to move elsewhere,” he added.

Lawal concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, saying any future move would only come after broad consultations. “At least I’ve done my best. I didn’t disappoint anybody. I went from the start to the finishing line. When the time comes, I’ll decide alongside the people. I’ll be the last man standing.”