Dauda Lawal: A’court ruling a temporary setback… decision of people will prevail

Dauda Lawal has described the appeal court judgement annuling his election as governor of Zamfara as a temporary setback. 

On Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court declared the Zamfara governorship election inconclusive and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold a fresh election in three LGAs.

The local governments are Maradun, Birnin-Magaji and Bukyun.

Reacting to the ruling in a statement by Sulaiman Idris, his spokesperson, Lawal said he was elected due to dissatisfaction with the status quo in Zamfara.

Lawal said the outcome of the governorship election “accurately represented the people’s yearning for a shift towards positive development and progress”.

“The ruling by the Appeal Court is a temporary setback. However, I remain optimistic that the collective decision of the people will ultimately prevail,” he said.

“We will emerge victorious. Our unwavering determination and steadfast commitment leave no room for doubt or fear.

“We faced numerous challenges on the road to victory in the last election. But let me assure our people that we are fully committed to going to great lengths to retain this widely acclaimed mandate.”

He called on the people of the state to remain calm, adding that his legal team is currently reviewing the court’s verdict and would take necessary actions to “achieve a just outcome”.