When APC Received Governor Lawal

Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, stood still on Tuesday last week as the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally welcomed Governor Dauda Lawal into its fold after his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party embroiled in intense internal crisis.

The event, held at the Gusau International Trade Fair Complex, drew a huge crowd of supporters and party loyalists. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, addressed the gathering, setting the tone for what many described as a defining political moment for the state.

In his remarks, the President commiserated with victims of banditry and kidnapping, which have plagued the region for decades. He assured that both the federal and state governments would strengthen military operations and other security measures to decisively tackle the menace.

Tinubu noted that Governor Lawal’s defection to the APC would enhance coordination between all levels of government and provide stronger support for security agencies working to restore peace in Zamfara, specifically, and the North-West region in general.

The president lauded former governors: Senator Ahmed Yerima, Mahmuda Shinkafi, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, for setting aside political differences to support Governor Lawal in the collective effort against insecurity.

For his part, Governor Lawal thanked former governors of the state for their support and cooperation, even as he pledged to work for the success of the APC at all levels in next year’s general election.

“I will embrace all my predecessors, and I will work hard for the progress of Zamfara State,” Governor Dauda pledged.

Interestingly, former Governor Bello Matawalle, who until recently was seen by many as a strong contender for the governorship, told the gathering that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, declaring his full support for Lawal’s re-election campaign.

Speaking at the event, Matawalle described his decision as a difficult but necessary sacrifice aimed at maintaining unity within the party and boosting its prospects in upcoming elections.

Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defence, endorsed Lawal as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election. He expressed confidence that a united APC would position Zamfara to deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu in the next general election.

While harping on the need for all to work towards the growth and development of the state, Matawalle urged stakeholders, supporters, and residents to unite behind the governor and offer full cooperation to secure the success of his administration.

Matawalle also commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as inclusive, merit-driven, and politically insightful, qualities he said have made the APC the most formidable political force in Africa.

Governor Lawal’s defection followed his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on March 9. He cited lingering internal crises and legal disputes within the party, including court rulings affecting its national convention, as key reasons for his decision to join the ruling party.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described Lawal’s move as a defining moment that signals a new political dawn for the North-West.

On behalf of APC governors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma assured Lawal of their full support, describing the development as a “win-win” for Zamfara and a demonstration of collective commitment to progress and stability.

Presenting the APC flag to the governor, the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the APC continues to attract visionary leaders due to its commitment to order, progress, and national development.

At the grassroots level, the Chairman of Zurmi Local Government and Zamfara State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Sumaila Useni Morki, declared total alignment with the governor’s political direction.

He stated that all 14 local government areas in the state had effectively moved their political structures from the PDP to the APC, affirming their loyalty to Governor Lawal.

According to him, the decision was made after consultations with the people and based on confidence in the governor’s leadership ability and dedication to improving the state.

We believe in his vision and leadership. All the local government councils are united in supporting him, and we are fully committed to the APC,” Moriki said.

Politics watchers described Governor Dauda’s defection as a homecoming since he is originally a member of the ruling APC, from which he defected to the opposition PDP. They insisted that his switch back to the APC has further reaffirmed the status of Zamfara State as the stronghold of the ruling APC.