By Likita Ekani
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has strongly criticized the reported plan by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an act of fear and political desperation.
In a statement signed by the forum’s chairman, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the group said the governor’s anticipated move is not based on principles or a desire to deliver better governance but rather on anxiety over the growing political influence of APC stalwarts in the state—specifically the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor, Senator AbdulAziz Yari.
“The looming shadows of these established political players have evidently instilled a sense of insecurity in Governor Lawal, compelling him to seek refuge in the APC,” the NSCF said. “This act of political expediency underscores a troubling trend: the prioritization of personal ambition over the collective interest of the people of Zamfara State.”
The forum said Governor Lawal has shown himself to be a political liability within the PDP, failing to unite the party or make meaningful contributions to its progress. His defection, they warned, would further expose his inability to handle political pressure and provide stable leadership.
“Governor Lawal has long been perceived as a political baggage within the PDP. His tenure has been marked by underperformance and a lack of vision. Instead of fostering unity and inspiring confidence, he has only deepened internal divisions,” the statement read.
According to the NSCF, the governor’s move to the APC would not resolve the leadership vacuum in the state but rather worsen existing political tensions. They cited the internal strife already plaguing the APC in Zamfara, which they argue would only be intensified by the governor’s entry into the party.
“The APC, under the influence of figures like Bello Matawalle and Senator Yari, is already dealing with internal struggles. Bringing in a governor with questionable leadership credentials will only complicate the situation and heighten instability in the state’s political landscape.”
The forum further warned that the defection signals a retreat from accountability and transparency.
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