The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State has demanded Governor Dauda Lawal’s resignation if he fails to curb rampant violence by armed groups, escalating pressure on authorities to address security challenges in Nigeria’s northwest. State party chairman Alhaji Kabiru Garba issued the call during the ADC’s “Hand Shake Day” event in Gusau, the state capital, where he accused the governor of failing to protect civilians from escalating attacks.
Garba cited recurrent assaults by bandits—a term widely used for militant groups in the region—on rural communities, claiming residents now live in “perpetual fear” due to unchecked kidnappings, killings, and property destruction. “It is high time the governor provided a lasting solution to the insecurity bedeviling the state. Otherwise, he should resign,” Garba stated, urging President Bola Tinubu to prioritize Zamfara’s crisis as part of broader national security efforts. He further proposed dialogue with armed groups as a potential path to peace, emphasizing, “Let them talk to the bandits if that’s what will bring peace.”
The remarks reflect growing frustration with Nigeria’s ruling parties, as Zamfara remains a hotspot for violence despite military operations. Garba argued that disillusioned citizens are increasingly supporting the ADC, reporting over 75,000 new memberships in the state since 2023, with a target of 100,000 ahead of 2027 elections. “The people have seen a brighter future in our party,” he declared, positioning the ADC as an alternative to address governance and security failures.
Zamfara’s instability is part of a wider crisis across northern Nigeria, where clashes between armed factions, military forces, and vigilantes have displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods. Critics of negotiation efforts argue such policies risk legitimizing criminal groups, but Garba maintained that “decisive steps” are essential to halt the bloodshed. The governor’s office has yet to respond to the ADC’s demands. Meanwhile, the party’s rising influence underscores shifting political dynamics as Nigeria approaches its next electoral cycle, with security poised to remain a central issue.
