Zamfara State Governor @daudalawal_ Lawal has alleged that some governors who defected to the All Progressives Congress received over ₦500 billion in palliative support from the Federal Government. He claimed that he has not received any such funds because he is not a member of the ruling party.
Lawal made the assertion amid ongoing national debates over federal allocations and the distribution of economic relief funds. His remarks have stirred reactions within political circles and raised fresh concerns about equity in governance.
According to the governor, the alleged funds were disbursed as palliatives to support states during ongoing economic challenges. He suggested that political alignment may have influenced which states benefited from the intervention.
Lawal did not provide detailed documentation to support the figure he cited. However, he insisted that his administration has not received what he described as similar financial support from the Federal Government.
The claim comes at a time when many states are grappling with rising costs of living and the impact of economic reforms. Federal palliatives have been a central part of measures aimed at cushioning hardship across the country.
If accurate, the allegation could raise significant constitutional and ethical questions. Federal allocations are generally expected to follow statutory formulas and established procedures rather than party considerations.
There has been no immediate official response from the Federal Government addressing the specific allegation. It remains unclear whether the ₦500 billion figure refers to cumulative allocations or targeted special interventions.
The All Progressives Congress has also not publicly responded to the governor’s remarks at the time of this report. Party officials have previously maintained that federal support to states is guided by national interest and economic necessity.
Nigeria’s federal system is designed to ensure that states receive statutory allocations regardless of political leadership. Additional support, including grants and intervention funds, is typically tied to policy initiatives or special circumstances.
The controversy comes amid ongoing political realignments across the country. In recent months, several governors and political figures have defected from opposition parties to the ruling APC.
Such defections have sometimes been linked to strategic political calculations ahead of future elections. Critics argue that political shifts can alter access to federal influence and resources.
Governor Lawal’s assertion adds another dimension to the debate. By linking alleged palliative payments to party membership, he has highlighted concerns about equal treatment among federating units.
As reactions continue, attention is likely to focus on official financial records and statements from relevant federal agencies. Confirmation or rebuttal of the allegation may depend on documented evidence of disbursements.
The issue has intensified conversations about the relationship between politics and public finance. It has also revived scrutiny of how economic relief measures are administered during periods of hardship.
For now, the governor’s claim remains an allegation awaiting verification. The coming days may determine whether it leads to formal inquiries, political rebuttals, or further clarification from federal authorities.
