Zamfara PDP Assembly Candidate Kurya Defects to APC, Blames Gov Lawal for Security Lapses
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who narrowly lost the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly election, Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, has switched to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a dramatic change in Zamfara State politics.
The announcement was made today at a high-profile event held at Gusau’s Taula Arena and hosted by Hon. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani Projects.
Only a few months have passed since Kamilu Sa’idu of the APC was proclaimed the winner of the August supplemental election for the Kaura Namoda South seat by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Federal University Gusau Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu verified Sa’idu’s victory, noting that the APC candidate received 1,181 votes in the runoff compared to Kurya’s 194.
Overall, the APC received 8,182 votes in the constituency compared to 5,544 for the PDP, demonstrating the APC’s firm hold even in the highly competitive race that was purportedly supported by a multibillion-naira war fund from PDP Governor Dauda Lawal.
Despite being backed with billions of dollars during the previous election by Governor Dauda Lawal, Kurya was rejected due to the governor’s shortcomings.
He stated his dissatisfaction with the leadership of Governor Lawal and the course of his previous party after switching to the APC.
He blamed his electoral loss and the wider instability afflicting Zamfara on the Lawal administration’s lack of attention, especially on security.
He did, however, exhort his supporters to support APC leader Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, in attempts to bring about peace and advancement.
The timing of Kurya’s flip may portend more defections in the divisive political environment of Zamfara, where conflicts between parties and banditry are still prevalent.
