Zamfara State Governor, Mr Dauda Lawal, has alleged that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has adopted a selective political affiliation approach in the distribution of palliatives funds to states in the federation.
Gov. Lawal specifically claimed that Zamfara State was denied the privilege of being partakers of the N500 billion palliative as a result of his refusal to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Tinubu that has deliberately excluded opposition-led states.
He categorically said that Zamfara has not received any federal palliative funds since the removal of fuel subsidy because he maintains his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which is an opposition party.
Governor Lawal, who stated these in a trending video, alleged that states controlled by the APC have received huge financial support from the Federal Government, adding that the funds were meant to help citizens cope with the rising costs of living occasioned by the economic policies and reforms of the APC-led federal government.
Lawal said; “I know of states that have received over 500 billion Naira from the Federal Government as palliative, but I have never received anything. I think the reason I don’t get it is because I’m not in the APC”.
The Governor emphasised that Zamfara State has been left to struggle on its own despite facing serious economic and security challenges.
He said , “Our administration in Zamfara State has had to rely solely on state resources to support residents through food distribution and other welfare programs”.
He explained that the palliatives introduced by the Federal Government were supposed to be shared fairly among all states, regardless of party affiliation, stressing that citizens should not suffer because of political rivalry between different levels of government.
Governor Lawal’s remarks highlighted growing frustrations among some opposition governors regarding perceived favouritism in federal resource allocation.
Similar complaints have surfaced from Osun State formerly under the control of PDP that has cried out over withheld local government funds.
The palliatives which included cash transfers, food items, and other relief materials were rolled out nationwide following the 2023 removal of fuel subsidies, which triggered hyper inflation and increased living costs.
While the Federal Government initially provided some support packages to states, it was gathered that additional distribution and disbursements became varied.
