Matawalle Welcomes Dauda Lawal to APC, Calls for Unity to Tackle Insecurity in Zamfara
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has welcomed the decision of Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as both “cheering and long overdue.”
In a statement released early Tuesday, Matawalle said the governor’s decision to join the ruling party would help strengthen cooperation between Zamfara State and the Federal Government, particularly at a time when the region continues to face serious security challenges.
According to Matawalle, the move was not entirely unexpected, as both leaders share similar aspirations for the development, stability, and prosperity of Zamfara State.
“I warmly welcome the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, into the All Progressives Congress,” Matawalle said in the statement. “His decision to join the progressive family is both cheering and long overdue.”
He added that the APC had over the years positioned itself as a platform promoting democratic transformation, progressive governance, and national development.
Matawalle noted that the governor’s decision to align Zamfara State with the ruling party at the federal level could open the door to stronger collaboration between the state government and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s President.
According to the minister, this alignment could improve access to federal support and facilitate the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.
“This connection will undoubtedly create opportunities for stronger collaboration and greater support for policies and programmes that can accelerate development in our state,” Matawalle said.
Related News
Henry Seriake Dickson Defects from PDP to Newly Formed Nigeria Democratic Congress
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress…
Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi Receives “Her Excellence Award” During International Women’s Day Event in Abuja
Reps aspirant Sarah Ivie Adidi has been honoured with the 2026 “Her Excellence Award” during an event marking International Women’s…
Governor Peter Mbah Urges Ndigbo to Return to Strategic Politics
Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, has urged the Igbo political class to return to what he described as “strategic…
The minister also emphasized that the political shift comes at a critical moment for Zamfara State, which has been grappling with persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities.
He argued that addressing these problems requires a coordinated approach between state authorities and the Federal Government.
“With the Governor now in the APC, we are better positioned to work together in a more unified, collaborative, and strategic manner to confront insecurity and restore peace and stability across the state,” Matawalle stated.
As Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle said he looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the Zamfara State government to ensure improved security outcomes for residents.
The statement also highlighted the political implications of the defection as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle. Matawalle expressed confidence that unity within the APC could help consolidate political support for President Tinubu while ensuring continuity in governance within Zamfara State.
“It is important that we work together to consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also ensuring that the good people of Zamfara State continue to benefit from stable leadership at the state level,” he said.
He added that stronger unity within the party could also help Governor Lawal secure the mandate to continue serving the people of Zamfara State in the future.
For Matawalle, the defection represents the beginning of what he described as a new phase of political cooperation aimed at advancing the interests of the state.
“I therefore assure Governor Dauda Lawal of my full support and cooperation as we work together, alongside the leadership of our great party and the Federal Government, to strengthen security, deepen development, and deliver greater progress for the people of Zamfara State,” he said.
Political observers note that party defections are a common feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly when state leaders seek closer alignment with the ruling party at the federal level. Such moves are often driven by strategic considerations, including access to federal resources and political alliances.
The latest development in Zamfara is expected to reshape the state’s political dynamics ahead of future elections while also raising questions about how the new alignment could influence efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.