Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move welcomed by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who said the development would boost growth and stability in the state.
In a statement issued on the development, Matawalle described Lawal’s decision to join the APC as “cheering and long overdue,” noting that he had long expected the governor to align with the ruling party due to their shared aspirations for the development, stability and prosperity of Zamfara State.
The minister said the APC has over the years established itself as a platform for progressive governance and democratic transformation in Nigeria. According to him, the governor’s decision to align Zamfara with the ruling party at the centre would foster a more harmonious and productive relationship with the Federal Government.
Matawalle explained that the development could open the door for stronger collaboration between the Zamfara State government and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.
He also stressed that the defection comes at a critical time when Zamfara continues to face serious security challenges, adding that addressing insecurity requires unity of purpose and close coordination between the state and the Federal Government.
According to him, with Governor Lawal now in the APC, both sides are better positioned to work together in a more unified and strategic manner to tackle insecurity and restore peace and stability across the state.
“As the Minister of State for Defence, I look forward to strengthening this cooperation so that we can collectively deliver the security and stability our people deserve,” Matawalle said.
He further noted that the timing of the governor’s decision is significant as the country moves closer to another electoral cycle, stressing the importance of unity within the APC to consolidate support for President Tinubu while ensuring that Zamfara continues to enjoy stable leadership.
Matawalle assured the governor of his full support and cooperation, saying he is optimistic that the development marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration aimed at strengthening security, deepening development efforts and advancing the interests of the people of Zamfara State.