Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has said that the tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the adoption of Senator Tanimu Turaki as the party’s consensus candidate for national chairman is a natural part of politics.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inaugural meeting of the Convention Special Duties Sub-Committee at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Friday, Lawal—who chairs the sub-committee—urged party members to see the disagreement as normal and healthy for internal democracy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PDP’s Northern Stakeholders had earlier endorsed Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, as their preferred consensus candidate ahead of the party’s November 15 national convention in Ibadan.
Governor Lawal noted that the PDP’s constitution allows for the adoption of a consensus candidate but maintained that anyone dissatisfied with the process was free to contest at the convention.
> “No matter what we do, there will always be people who feel aggrieved. Even if you are chosen, others will still object—it’s part of politics,” he said.
“Our focus is on unity and progress. This is an ongoing process, and I am confident that everything will work out well. Agitations are normal; they show people’s interest in the party.”
The governor expressed optimism that the PDP was gradually regaining its strength, saying:
> “We’ve gone through a lot, but things are improving every day. I’m confident that the PDP will bounce back—indeed, we are already bouncing back.”
He reminded party members that the consensus option was legitimate and enshrined in the PDP constitution, emphasizing that the goal was to foster inclusivity rather than division.
Addressing members of the Special Duties Committee, Lawal charged them to show diligence and integrity in their assignments.
> “The confidence reposed in you is immense. You are the architects of our convention’s solvency and the custodians of its operational integrity. I trust you will deliver with excellence,” he said.
Earlier at the accreditation sub-committee meeting held at the Legacy House in Abuja, Lawal reiterated that internal disagreements were part of political life and should not cause concern.
> “Politics is about give and take. Whoever emerges will naturally face some level of opposition, and that’s fine. What matters is that we are working to bring everyone together for a successful convention,” he said.
He called for unity and reconciliation among members, especially in light of recent defections.
> “Change is the only constant. Remember, in 2015 the PDP had almost 30 governors—yet things changed. So, no shaking, no alarm. The PDP is one big family. Disagreements are normal, but our collective interest must come first,” Lawal stressed.
He also urged PDP leaders to prioritize fairness and service in building consensus.
> “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. We must stand together, work together, and heal together,” he declared.
Lawal charged members of the accreditation committee to handle their role with transparency and fairness, describing their duty as a “sacred trust.”
> “Your work lays the foundation for a credible and transparent convention. Treat it with total dedication and selflessness,” he advised.
The governor assured that logistics for transportation and accommodation of delegates were already in place, adding that no major challenges were expected.
> “The essence of this committee is to ensure smooth logistics. Everything is under control,” he said confidently.
NAN
