The aftermath of the recently concluded Zamfara State bye-election has continued to generate heated discussions, with a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleging that Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership style and political decisions were responsible for the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) defeat at the polls.
According to the APC group, the bye-election, which many analysts had tipped as a litmus test for both the ruling PDP in Zamfara and the opposition APC, ended up exposing cracks within the PDP’s political structure in the state. They claimed that Governor Lawal’s inability to effectively manage internal party disputes, coupled with strained relationships between his administration and some grassroots stakeholders, played a pivotal role in the PDP’s loss.
The APC members stressed that the outcome of the election was not just a reflection of the APC’s growing acceptance among the electorate but also a signal of the waning influence of Governor Lawal, barely into the first year of his administration. They argued that while the APC consolidated its strength through unity and grassroots mobilization, the PDP was busy grappling with internal wrangling, defections, and poor coordination.
Community leaders in Zamfara who monitored the election also observed that voters were largely swayed by promises of stability, security, and economic relief. The APC capitalized on these sentiments, while the PDP, according to critics, struggled to present a coherent message due to divisions within the party.
The APC group further accused Governor Lawal of alienating key political figures who had been instrumental in delivering votes for the PDP in previous elections. They maintained that the governor’s alleged sidelining of party elders and focus on a narrow circle of loyalists backfired, leaving many PDP supporters disgruntled.
On the other hand, PDP sympathizers have dismissed these claims as mere propaganda, arguing that the bye-election was only a temporary setback and not a reflection of the party’s overall strength in Zamfara. They believe the PDP still has strong grassroots support and insist that Governor Lawal remains popular among the masses.
Political observers, however, believe the bye-election has sounded an early warning for the PDP in Zamfara ahead of the 2027 general elections. If the internal divisions within the ruling party are not addressed quickly, the APC could leverage the momentum from this victory to make significant inroads across the state.
For now, the political battle lines in Zamfara remain sharply drawn. While the APC celebrates its win as a sign of resurgence, the PDP faces mounting pressure to reconcile its factions and prove that it still holds the trust of the people. Governor Lawal’s ability to manage the fallout from this defeat may very well determine the future of his administration and the PDP’s chances in upcoming contests.
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