By Ibrahim Muhammad
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he will not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that he is prepared to remain in the party until the very end, even if he becomes the last man standing.
Speaking in an interview with, the first-term governor said he was not under any pressure to dump the opposition party, stressing that loyalty to the platform that brought him to power in the 2023 elections remains paramount.
Lawal, 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 for the 2027 general elections.
Despite concerns over his political future amid the lingering leadership crisis rocking the PDP, the governor maintained that he was in no hurry to defect, unlike several of his colleagues.
So far, seven PDP governors have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They include 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 has also left the PDP for the Accord Party.
But Lawal said he has no interest in joining the APC or any other party for now, adding that if the PDP ceases to exist, he would rather contest as an independent candidate, if the law permits.
“I will remain in the PDP till the last day. If I realise there is no PDP, meaning 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 said.
He explained that any decision to leave the party would not be taken unilaterally but after wide consultations.
“When I realise PDP cannot move anywhere, then I have to make a decision. And I won’t sit down alone to do that. I will consult because politics is local; you need to hear the people’s views,” Lawal stated.
Reacting to concerns that he may be the only first-term PDP governor seeking re-election in 2027, Lawal said there was no cause for alarm.
“I’m the only first-timer who is still staying put in our party, but there is nothing to worry about,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty, the governor added: “I’m not going to betray my party because I was elected on its platform. However, if that platform is no longer available for whatever reason, then I have every reason to move elsewhere.
“But until then, I will remain in the PDP till the last day. When I realise the PDP is dead, then I will move on. At least I’ve done my best. I’ll be the last man standing.”
