Matawalle To Dauda Lawal: I’ll Support Your Vision For Zamfara

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has assured the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, of his support him to ensure the state is more secure, safe, and prosperous.

The minister stated this in a statement commending Lawal for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Lawal, who succeeded Matawalle as governor of Zamfara, dumped PDP on Monday after the Abuja appeal court affirmed the judgment of a federal high court, which restrained the PDP from conducting the national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

In 2023, Matawalle, as incumbent governor in Zamfara and APC candidate, lost his second term bid to Lawal, who was the PDP flagbearer.

Lawal polled 377,726 votes, while Matawalle got 311,976 votes.

However, reacting to Lawal’s defection, Matawalle welcomed the governor to the APC, describing the move as “a historic moment” in the political history of the state.

“Governor Dauda is now part of a progressive family. Therefore, we warmly welcome him into this fold so that we can support him and work together with all our strengths to ensure a more secure, safe, and prosperous Zamfara State,” Matawalle said.

He added that the state needs collective commitment to confront and address its challenges, especially insecurity, and to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has shown us that politics is not war; rather, it is the art of building bridges across rivers of difference,” the minister said.

“For me, this is a political reunion with my friend and brother. We are a family united by the shared belief that Nigeria can, and must, work for all citizens.”

He called on all members of the party, particularly in the state, to unite “with renewed determination to ensure victory” for the APC in the 2027 elections.

“As a true progressive, I will support His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, in pursuing our collective vision for a more secure and prosperous Zamfara State,” Matawalle added.