The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has welcomed the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as a historic moment for both the state and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.
Governor Lawal reportedly defected to the APC on Monday in an event held at the Government House in Zamfara State. The move was represented by the state’s deputy governor alongside members of the state executive council, with party flags displayed at the Government House to mark the occasion.
Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his official account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Matawalle praised the governor’s decision, saying it would strengthen collaboration among political leaders in addressing the pressing challenges confronting Zamfara State.
According to the minister, the governor’s defection would particularly enhance efforts to tackle insecurity in the region, which has faced persistent security concerns in recent years. He noted that unity among political actors was essential to ensuring stability, development, and effective governance in the state.
Matawalle also linked the development to the broader national agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that Lawal’s entry into the ruling party would contribute to advancing the administration’s “Renewed Hope” programme.
“Today marks a historic moment in the political history of our state and our dear nation as we welcome a friend and brother, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, into our great party, the APC,” Matawalle said in the statement.
He further emphasised that politics should serve as a platform for unity and collective progress rather than division, describing the governor’s move as a form of political reunion among progressives.
The minister urged party members across Zamfara and beyond to rally together and work collectively towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections. He expressed confidence that cooperation among party leaders and supporters would position the APC strongly in future electoral contests.
“As a progressive, I will support Governor Dauda Lawal in pursuing our collective vision for a more secure and prosperous Zamfara State,” Matawalle added.
