Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, has hinged his continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the outcome of a pending Appeal Court judgment over the legality of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki’s leadership and the controversial Ibadan convention.
Lawal made his position known during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau, where party leaders from all 14 local government areas were in attendance.
His Special Adviser on Media, Public Enlightenment and Communication, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, said the meeting was convened in line with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections.
According to Kaura, INEC regulations require political parties to conclude their congresses at least 300 days before the general election — meaning internal processes must be wrapped up by April or May next year.
He noted that ongoing litigations at the national level have created uncertainty within the PDP, prompting the governor and stakeholders to begin weighing their options.
There are litigations surrounding the PDP at the national level. If we remain without exploring options, we may face uncertainty and others may take the credit,” Kaura stated.
The governor’s aide disclosed that the Appeal Court’s ruling on the Ibadan convention will ultimately determine Lawal’s political direction.
“If the judgment is not in our favour, opinions are divided. Some prefer the APC; others the ADC, while some advocate forming a new party,” he said.
Among the alternatives being considered are the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kaura added that a committee has been constituted to consult widely across the state before any final decision is made.
As the PDP grapples with internal legal battles, Governor Lawal’s next move could significantly reshape Zamfara’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.