The Northern APC Peace Agenda has said the political reconciliation between Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, could significantly reshape the political landscape in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region if sustained.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna, the group described the alliance as a stabilising development ahead of the 2027 general elections. It noted that such cooperation is uncommon in a region often characterised by intense political rivalries.
President of the group, Rabiu Ahmad, said Matawalle’s decision to support Lawal reflects political maturity and a broader commitment to unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The reconciliation follows Matawalle’s public declaration that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election. Instead, the Minister of State for Defence pledged his support for Lawal during a reception held after the governor’s defection to the APC.
“The coming together of Governor Dauda Lawal and former Governor Bello Matawalle under one political platform represents a turning point for Zamfara State,” the statement read.
“At a time when political divisions often undermine governance, this reconciliation sends a powerful message that unity can be prioritised over personal ambition.”
The group further described Matawalle’s stance as a demonstration of loyalty, discipline, and a recognition that the strength of the party and the country should take precedence over individual ambitions.
According to the statement, the alliance presents an opportunity to reset Zamfara’s political trajectory by fostering cooperation between past and present leadership. This, it said, could enhance governance, strengthen grassroots mobilisation, and accelerate development across the state.
The Northern APC Peace Agenda also described Lawal’s defection to the APC as a pragmatic move that aligns Zamfara more closely with the Federal Government, potentially improving policy coordination and access to federal resources.
Political observers believe that if sustained, the alliance could influence voting patterns and party dynamics in the North-West ahead of the next electoral cycle, making it a development to watch closely in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
