“Play Politics with Tinubu So Zamfara Can Develop” – Senator Kalu Tells Governor Lawal

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State to set aside political differences and establish a working relationship with President Bola Tinubu, warning that the state risks being left behind in development if such ties are not forged.

Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District and is a former governor of Abia State, gave the advice on Monday in Gusau while commissioning the new Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the renovated Zamfara College of Arts and Science.

He emphasized that his suggestion was not for Lawal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but to recognize the strategic importance of aligning with the federal leadership for the benefit of Zamfara people. Kalu stressed that political affiliation should not hinder efforts to attract federal support for critical projects.

Recalling his own experience, Kalu noted that despite being a PDP governor at the time, he maintained strong ties with then-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu, who belonged to the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He highlighted the personal bond he shares with Tinubu, mentioning how his children lived with the Tinubus while attending school in Lagos, a reflection of their longstanding relationship.

“The president is not only my brother; he is my friend,” Kalu said. “Whatever political differences we had have been resolved. I want you to heal your political differences with the President.”

He urged Governor Lawal to adopt what he described as “political economics” by working with the federal government to secure increased funding and investment for Zamfara. “Do PDP as a party but do economic development as a Zamfara man so Zamfara can develop,” Kalu advised.