In the wake of the Court of Appeal’s decision to order a rerun election in Zamfara State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains undeterred and confident in securing a resounding victory, according to Buhari Maijega, the State’s PDP spokesman.
In a telephone interview with newsmen in Gusau, Maijega assured that Governor Dauda Lawal, the PDP candidate, would emerge victorious in the upcoming rerun election. He cited 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 would take place, were less than 100,000. He expressed skepticism about the possibility of the APC securing all the votes in the rerun, pointing to potential security challenges that might discourage voters, particularly in areas affected by banditry.
Highlighting the optimism for Governor Lawal’s success, Maijega stated, “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.”
In addressing the potential legal battle ahead, Maijega hinted that depending on the decision, Governor Lawal might challenge the judgment of the Appeal Court at the Supreme Court, adding that Mattawalle could be facing a challenging battle.
As the rerun election looms, Maijega called on APC members and supporters to come out in large numbers to support Governor Dauda Lawal. He concluded, “I am appealing to our supporters to remain calm. We will, by the grace of God, sail through.”
