By Milcah Tanimu
The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed unwavering confidence in securing a resounding victory in any potential rerun election, following the recent directive by the Court of Appeal to conduct a new poll in the state.
Buhari Maijega, the State’s PDP spokesperson, conveyed this optimism during a telephone interview in Gusau, the state capital. He asserted that Governor Dauda Lawal would emerge victorious in the rerun election, citing Lawal’s substantial lead of over 65,000 votes against his APC opponent, former Governor Bello Mattawalle, in the previous governorship election.
Maijega emphasized that the total votes to be contested in the three affected local government areas, where the rerun election is slated, were not even approaching 100,000. He deemed it improbable for the APC to secure all the votes in the upcoming rerun, pointing to potential security challenges that might discourage voter turnout, especially in areas affected by banditry.
According to Maijega, “Governor Lawal has a good chance of winning the election over former Governor Bello Mattawalle for many reasons. He had already scored 65,000 votes ahead of the immediate past Governor Mattawalle.” He hinted at a possible challenge to the Court of Appeal’s judgment at the Supreme Court, suggesting a challenging path for Mattawalle.
Maijega urged APC members and supporters to turn out in large numbers to support Governor Dauda Lawal in the rerun election, scheduled for specific polling units in Maradun, Bukkuyum, and Birnin Magaji local government areas.
“Even if the PDP did not actively campaign, I am very optimistic that Dr. Dauda Lawal will still garner additional votes in those three local governments and retain his governorship position. I am appealing to our supporters to remain calm. We will, by the grace of God, sail through,” Maijega added.
