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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has firmly dismissed any speculation about defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his unwavering commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform that brought him to power.
His stance came in response to recent appeals from former governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who had invited him to join the APC during a Sallah visit at his residence in Maradun.
Governor Lawal’s media aide, Mustafa Kaura, clarified in a phone interview with The PUNCH that Lawal had no interest in leaving the PDP.
“There is no iota of truth in this. As such, I want the PDP supporters to disregard this,” Kaura said.
“Some people have been spreading rumours that Governor Dauda Lawal is planning to dump his party, the PDP, and join APC.
“Governor Dauda Lawal will remain in the PDP and has no intention of joining any other party.
“He is a true believer who believes in God, and whatever God has destined to happen must happen, no matter the party he belongs to.”
In his earlier remarks, Matawalle encouraged Lawal to cross over to the APC, urging transparency in his political alignment.
“Dauda Lawal should come and join the APC rather than the hide-and-seek type of game he is currently playing,” Matawalle said.
The former governor insisted his invitation was in good faith and extended a hand of friendship to Lawal, stating he bore no animosity toward the current administration.
Matawalle also called on Lawal to take advantage of federal allocations by implementing critical development projects across Zamfara, while praising President Bola Tinubu as a “progressive leader” focused on peace and national growth.
“President Tinubu’s focus is on the development of the country and welcomes all wishing to join the trailblazer of peace, harmony, growth and development,” Matawalle added.
He appealed to APC loyalists to rally behind Tinubu’s initiatives, especially in sectors such as security, agriculture, and health, affirming the federal government’s determination to tackle insecurity in Zamfara.