Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, is seeking re-election in 2027, leveraging his governance achievements to garner support. His supporters argue that he has redefined governance in the state, surpassing his predecessors. Lawal's victory in the 2023 governorship election, despite being a PDP candidate in a state where the party had never won, was a testament to his popularity. The Supreme Court's validation of his election in January 2024 further solidified his position.
Lawal's defection to the APC has been seen as a strategic move to work with the federal government and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This move has also led to a reconciliation with former governors, including Yari and Matawalle, who once led rival political camps in the state. Their endorsement of Lawal for a second term, along with President Tinubu, is a significant boost to his re-election bid. This development has been rated as one of Lawal's most underrated political achievements.
The opposition in Zamfara is currently bereft of the resources, structure, and argument needed to unseat Lawal. His emergence as the APC's governorship candidate for 2027 was a consensus arrangement, avoiding a contentious primary. Supporters argue that Lawal's re-election is already secured due to his ability to put the party's house in order before the contest begins. A rival candidate would have to build a coalition from scratch, which would be an almost impossible task.
Security has been a defining crisis in Zamfara for years, but Lawal's approach has combined military cooperation with community-level engagement. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has praised Lawal for his "uncommon" support to Operation Fansan Yamma. Supporters argue that the administration's kinetic and non-kinetic approach has yielded results, and Zamfara is no longer under siege. Farmers can now return to their fields, traders can move goods, and communities can plan for the future.
Infrastructure development has been a key area of focus for Lawal's administration. Completed and ongoing road projects include the 9.2km Gusau Township Roads Phase 1, the dualisation of Sani Abacha Way, and over 80km of rural feeder roads graded in various local government areas. The rural feeder roads are particularly significant for a largely agrarian state, enabling farmers to reach markets and clinics to receive supplies.
The administration has also made significant strides in education and civil service welfare. Lawal's government has cleared N3.4 billion in WAEC/NECO debts, rehabilitated hundreds of schools, and recruited thousands of teachers. The governor has also implemented the N70,000 national minimum wage, the first time since the state's creation in 1996. Additionally, the government has cleared N13 billion in pension and gratuity arrears within two years and extended the minimum wage to local government staff.
Lawal's financial management has also been commended, with the governor stating that he has not borrowed a single kobo from any financial institution since assuming office. The state's internally generated revenue has also increased, according to the governor. These achievements, combined with his security and infrastructure records, make Lawal's re-election bid a strong one.
Key points
- Lawal's governance deliveries have earned him plaudits.
- The opposition in Zamfara is currently bereft of resources.
- Lawal has made significant strides in education and civil service welfare.
