PDP’s confidence unshaken: Zamfara ready for rerun amidst court’s verdict

In the wake of the Court of Appeal’s directive for a rerun election in Zamfara, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state stands undaunted, assuring a resounding victory. Buhari Maijega, the State’s PDP spokesman, conveyed this optimism in a recent telephone interview, confidently asserting that Governor Dauda Lawal would triumph in the upcoming rerun.

Maijega emphasized Lawal’s substantial lead of over 65,000 votes against his APC counterpart, former Governor Bello Mattawalle, in the previous governorship election. He pointed out that the total votes up for contention in the three affected local government areas, where the rerun would take place, were less than 100,000.

Dismissing the likelihood of the APC securing all votes in the rerun, Maijega cited potential security challenges that might hinder voter turnout, particularly in areas affected by banditry. He expressed, “Governor Lawal has a strong chance of winning the election for various reasons. He already commands a lead of 65,000 votes over the immediate past Governor Mattawalle.” Maijega hinted at the possibility of Lawal challenging the Appeal Court’s decision at the Supreme Court, suggesting a formidable battle for Mattawalle.

Calling on APC members and supporters to rally behind Governor Dauda Lawal, Maijega urged a robust turnout in the rerun election across Maradun, Bukkuyum, and Birnin Magaji local government areas. He added, “Even without an active PDP campaign, I am optimistic that Dr. Dauda Lawal will secure additional votes and retain his governorship position in those three local governments. I appeal to our supporters to remain calm; with God’s grace, we will overcome.”