Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a significant shift in political allegiance has occurred in Zamfara State as Hajiya Hadiza Liman, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) along with over 5,000 supporters. This defection was formalized on Friday at the Galadima Ward of Gusau Local Government Area. Liman, a respected woman politician, expressed her dissatisfaction with the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal, citing the governor's inability to address the needs and aspirations of the state's populace.
Liman's decision to leave the APC for the NDC is rooted in her initial membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from which she moved to the APC following Governor Lawal's defection to the APC. However, she stated that Lawal's failure to improve the lives of the people has led her to re-evaluate her political affiliations. The defection is seen as a significant blow to the APC in Zamfara State, with Liman and her supporters across the 14 local government areas expressing their discontent with the current governance.
One of the key reasons Liman cited for her defection is Governor Lawal's lack of respect for the Ulamas council office, as evidenced by the relocation of the office and the allocation of its former space to the First Lady's office within the Government House. This move was seen as disrespectful by Liman, who comes from an Islamic ancestry and holds her religion and family heritage in high esteem. She has called on the Ulamas in the state to reconsider their support for Governor Lawal and instead join the NDC, which has Kabiru Garba Marafa as its governorship candidate.
The NDC Galadima Ward of Gusau Chairman, Hon Surajo Garba PA, welcomed Liman and her supporters, viewing their defection as a positive development for the party. He expressed optimism that this significant addition to the NDC would contribute to the party's success in the state, suggesting that victory for the NDC seems imminent. The defection has been seen as a strategic gain for the NDC in Zamfara State, potentially altering the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Liman's call to the Ulamas and her supporters to join the NDC is seen as a move to consolidate her new political base. Given her influence and the number of supporters she has brought with her, there is speculation about the potential impact on the state's political dynamics. The NDC appears to be positioning itself for significant gains in Zamfara State, leveraging the discontent with the current APC administration.
The political development in Zamfara State reflects broader trends of political realignments in Nigeria ahead of major elections. The defection of prominent figures and their supporters can significantly influence electoral outcomes, and the situation in Zamfara State will likely be closely watched by political analysts and stakeholders. The impact of Liman's defection on the APC and the fortunes of the NDC in the state remains to be seen as the political landscape continues to evolve.
Key points
- APC chieftain Hajiya Hadiza Liman defects to NDC in Zamfara State with over 5,000 supporters.
- Liman cites Governor Dauda Lawal's failure to meet the people's aspirations as the reason for her defection.
- The defection is seen as a significant blow to the APC and a potential gain for the NDC in Zamfara State ahead of the 2027 elections.
