Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is fully prepared to take over power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, despite ongoing internal challenges within the opposition party.

Speaking on Channels Television, the governor firmly dismissed speculations that he was planning to defect back to the APC, describing such reports as “mere rumours” with no basis in fact. According to him, he remains a “card-carrying member” of the PDP and has no intention of switching parties.

“I am still in the PDP and I have no plans to go anywhere,” Lawal said. “Those who are speculating that I’m returning to APC are merely engaging in wishful thinking. I won in 2023 against all odds, and I’m confident of what the future holds for us in PDP.”

Lawal, who emerged as governor in 2023 despite the overwhelming dominance of APC politicians in the state at the time, dismissed fears about a possible regrouping of APC heavyweights in Zamfara ahead of 2027. He noted that many of the same political actors were united against him during the last election and still lost.

“In 2023, all the forces people are talking about today former governors, senators, members of the National Assembly were with the APC, yet I defeated them. What difference will their alliance make now?” he asked.

The governor attributed his confidence to a combination of divine providence and the impact of his administration’s performance in Zamfara so far. He pointed to significant improvements in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and water supply as evidence that the people of Zamfara are witnessing real change and will support continuity in 2027.

“If you come to Zamfara today, you will see the transformation,” Lawal said. “In 23 years of democratic rule, I don’t think the people of this state have witnessed the kind of progress they are seeing today.”

Lawal also downplayed concerns over the internal wrangling within the PDP, describing it as a normal part of democratic politics. He explained that the party’s recent disagreement over the national secretary position was already being resolved, and further steps were being taken to strengthen internal cohesion.

“Yes, the PDP has internal challenges like any political party. But we are making conscious efforts to resolve them. We just had our National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, and we are meeting again on July 23 to settle lingering issues,” he said.

He revealed that the party leadership had agreed for Senator Samuel Anyanwu to continue as acting secretary until the party’s national convention later this year, where leadership matters will be formally addressed.

Lawal further hinted that the PDP is gradually attracting new members even as some discontented figures exit. He said the party is growing in strength, particularly in Zamfara, where defections from other parties to the PDP are increasing.

“Politics is local. People are leaving and people are also joining,” he said. “In Zamfara alone, you will not believe how many people are coming into the PDP fold. The future looks bright.”

On the possibility of the PDP reclaiming power at the national level, the governor was emphatic: “We are ready. We will present a strong presidential candidate. It could be anybody. And once that is settled, we are ready to roll.”

He dismissed the idea that the PDP’s age or history would be a liability, arguing instead that the party is being redefined by the quality of leadership and reforms emerging from the states it currently governs.

“I believe the APC has disappointed Nigerians on every front economy, security, infrastructure. Nigerians are yearning for real change. We in the PDP are ready to provide that alternative,” he said.

While the ruling APC continues to project strength ahead of 2027, Lawal insisted that it is the PDP that holds the true grassroots momentum.

“Nigerians want good governance. They want security, jobs, infrastructure, and empathy. If the PDP continues to deliver on those at the state level, people will trust us again at the federal level,” he concluded.