Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, has said that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was far beyond its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and is largely rooted in ego battles among party members.
He attributed the PDP crisis to ego clashes among members, emphasising that it’s not solely about Atiku Abubakar.
Lawal, who spoke during a media parley with journalists on Wednesday in Zamfara, said that the problem was not limited to any single individual.
“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar; it’s beyond him.
“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, ” he said.
He acknowledged that the problem was internal and affected everyone, including himself, due to personal egos.
The governor noted that the party was making conscious efforts to address the issue, which he believed would make the party stronger.
Lawal expressed optimism about the possibility of free and fair elections in Nigeria, citing his own experience as the first PDP governor in Zamfara State.
The PDP has faced a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including notable figures like Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The PDP’s National Working Committee held an emergency meeting to address growing disunity and internal tension.
Atiku Abubakar is consulting with political heavyweights to form a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) notice due to procedural reasons, which may impact the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
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.
