Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reiterated the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) commitment to unity and resilience, asserting that the party will emerge stronger despite ongoing internal challenges.
Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday, during a condolence visit to Governor Seyi Makinde over the passing of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde, Lawal expressed optimism about the party’s future.
He emphasised that recent meetings among PDP governors, including a crucial gathering in Delta State, signalled the party’s determination to reposition itself for effective leadership.
“In politics, there are always issues,” Lawal said. “With what happened in Delta two days ago, it shows we are making waves and are on track to reconnect with the people to lead this country.”
He stressed that PDP governors remain central to decision-making within the party and downplayed the ongoing crisis, describing it as a normal phase in political organisations.
“The ongoing crisis is normal; it happens in other parties too. So, it is nothing new. It is one of those things,” he stated. “This will ultimately make us stronger because we need to learn from certain mistakes. It is all part of the learning process.”
Lawal, who was accompanied by members of his cabinet, described his visit to Makinde as a show of solidarity.
“Governor Makinde is my very good friend, and it is an obligation for me to come and commiserate with him and his entire family on the loss of his older brother,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde received several other dignitaries at his residence, including the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha; and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
Adesina extended his condolences, saying, “He [Makinde’s older brother] passed away at such a young age. I came here to be with the governor, and I pray that God gives him the strength and fortitude to bear this tragic loss.”
NFF President Gusau also expressed sympathy, acknowledging Makinde’s contributions to Nigeria’s development. He further revealed ongoing collaborations between the NFF and the Federal Ministry of Education to revitalise grassroots football tournaments.
The visits underscore Makinde’s influence and the widespread support he enjoys from political and institutional leaders.
