Why I’ll remain in PDP till last day — Gov Lawal

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he will not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting he is ready to remain with the opposition party “till the last day,” despite the wave of defections weakening its ranks.

The first-term governor said he remains loyal to the party that brought him to power in the 2023 elections and has no immediate plans to switch allegiance.

Lawal, however, noted that he could only consider leaving if the PDP becomes completely incapacitated and unable to field candidates for the 2027 general election.

“I will remain in PDP till the last day,” he said. “If I realise there is no PDP — which means there’s no platform for me to contest — I will run as an independent candidate if the law allows it.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, the governor acknowledged concerns over his political future amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis and the recent exodus of several PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Those who have defected include Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalyi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke moved to the Accord Party.

Despite these developments, Lawal said he is not under pressure to follow suit.

“I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere until the end,” he stated.

“When I realise PDP cannot move forward, then I will make a decision. And I won’t decide alone — I will consult my people because politics is local.”

Addressing the fact that he is currently the only first-term PDP governor who has remained in the party, Lawal dismissed any fears about going into the next election cycle in that position.

“There is nothing to worry about,” he said. “I’m not going to betray my party because I got elected on its platform.

“But if that platform is no longer available for whatever reason, then I have every reason to look elsewhere.”

Reaffirming his commitment, the governor added: “I’ll remain in PDP till the last day. If the party contests, I’ll be there.

“If it’s no longer there, then I’ll move on. At least I’ve done my best.

“I didn’t disappoint anyone. I’ll be the last man standing.”