Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State’s Talata Mafara Local Government Area staged a protest on Monday, alleging that Governor Dauda Lawal’s policies have led to increased hunger and accusing him of imposing candidates against their wishes.
Gathering at the local government headquarters, the protesters, led by PDP local leader Muhammad Ibrahim Talatar Marafa, voiced their frustrations with Governor Lawal’s governance style.
They claimed that his administration has neglected the welfare of Zamfara’s citizens while focusing on personal luxuries.
“We are tired of Governor Dauda’s policies,” Ibrahim told journalists. “The people are suffering; hunger is rampant and has worsened.
Meanwhile, the governor lives a lavish lifestyle, ignoring the plight of the ordinary citizen.”
The protest stemmed in part from alleged interference in recent local elections.
According to Ibrahim, Governor Lawal disregarded the outcome of their internal process and instead imposed a candidate of his own choosing. This, he argued, undermines democratic principles.
“This is not democracy,” Ibrahim said. “The people’s choice was disregarded. It feels as though Dauda is only interested in furthering his personal agenda, not addressing the needs of Zamfara.”
The protesters expressed nostalgia for former Governor Bello Matawalle, saying that his governance style was more responsive to the people’s needs.
“We miss former Governor Matawalle,” Ibrahim said, as other demonstrators voiced their agreement.
“At least he cared for the people. We’re calling on him to run in the next election, and we will vote for him.”
In addition to electoral grievances, protesters highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara, alleging that communities are increasingly vulnerable to bandit attacks.
“The hunger situation here has gotten worse, and there seems to be no solution in sight,” said one protester.
The PDP supporters also raised concerns over economic hardship, saying that food prices have soared, while resources remain scarce for many residents.
“People here are hungry,” they added.