ZAMFARA State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) goes far beyond its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and is largely rooted in ego battles among party members.
Governor Lawal, who spoke during a media parley with journalists on Wednesday in Zamfara, stated that the problem is not limited to any single individual.
“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar; it’s beyond him,” he 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.”
When asked if he included himself among those contributing to the ego-driven conflict, Lawal responded, “Yes.”
Speaking further on Nigeria’s electoral process, Governor Lawal expressed optimism that free and fair elections remain possible despite systemic challenges.
He cited that his candidacy as the first PDP governor in the state is proof of electoral fairness as the 2027 elections gain weight.
“I will say yes, because I experienced it in Zamfara State — with all the powerful people that can turn things around, with the might of the Federal Government and everything,” he said.
“Yes, there will still be a free and fair election. That was what made me elected as the governor of Zamfara State. I was the first elected PDP governor in Zamfara State. So, it was a free and fair election, and I believe it will happen. It’s a matter of time.”
The PDP has been enmeshed in a deepening crisis following its loss in the 2023 elections, sparking a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly among members of the National Assembly and governors.
Notable among the recent defections is Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno. Similarly, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, commissioners, and others also joined the APC in April.
In response, the PDP’s National Working Committee held an emergency meeting in Abuja to confront growing disunity and internal tension.
Amid the chaos, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — who has contested for the presidency six times — has begun consulting political heavyweights such as Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, seeking to form a formidable opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
He described the mission as a response to what he sees as the threat of a creeping “one-party state” under the APC.
However, not all within the PDP back the coalition plan. Party stalwart, Bode George, remains optimistic about internal reconciliation, as the party prepares for its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
But further complications emerged after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the PDP’s NEC notice for procedural reasons.
In a 13 June 2025 letter, INEC cited non-compliance with guidelines requiring that meeting notices be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and Secretary.
The letter noted that only Acting Chairman Umar Damagum signed the notice, omitting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
The NEC, slated for 30 June, is expected to address leadership disputes and zonal matters. Meanwhile, the G5 group, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has renewed calls for zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.