Zamfara 2027 governorship crises in APC and PDP create opportunities for smaller parties amid defections,and political uncertainty

Internal disputes within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State are reshaping the 2027 governorship race, creating openings for smaller parties to challenge the dominance of the two main parties.

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More than ten candidates from various political groups are reportedly contesting the governorship, but both APC and PDP face significant setbacks due to unresolved factional conflicts, raising doubts over their ability to secure victory.

Political analysts suggest that incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal, whose PDP is experiencing internal turbulence, may consider joining a smaller party to pursue a second term. Reports indicate he is unlikely to join the APC due to entrenched divisions among four dominant factions in the state: Senator Yari, Bello Matawalle, Sani Jaji, and the recently departed Senator Kabir Marafa.

Should Lawal secure the PDP nomination, he could face similar sabotage attempts from party dissenters, echoing the 2023 elections when APC members supported PDP in protest. Former Governor Bello Matawalle, seeking a second term, could leverage presidential backing but may confront opposition from non-aligned party members.

Other contenders include Sani Jaji and Abdulmalik Zubairu, known as Zannan Bungudu, whose popularity is bolstered by former Governor Senator Abdul Aziz Yari’s influence. Meanwhile, Kabiru Marafa is reportedly in talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), though internal competition may challenge his candidacy.

State APC and PDP officials conveyed contrasting perspectives. APC’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, dismissed Lawal’s potential defection, citing political irrelevance, while PDP’s Haliru Andi maintained the governor’s track record gives him an unassailable chance regardless of party affiliation.

Political observers caution that past defections in Zamfara often ended in electoral defeats. Ibrahim Yusuf, a local analyst, referenced the failed cross-party moves of former Governors Aliyu Shinkafi and Bello Matawalle as cautionary examples for Governor Lawal.

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The unfolding dynamics indicate the 2027 governorship election could witness an unprecedented shift, with minor parties potentially leveraging the crises within APC and PDP to gain political ground.