The Zamfara Good Governance Forum has accused Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of attempting to use respected Islamic scholars in the state for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Usman, the group described the governor’s recent actions as “hypocrisy and desperation”, saying they contrast sharply with the respectful relationship established between the clergy and the government during the tenure of former governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
According to the forum, Matawalle had set a standard for honourable engagement with the Ulamas by recognising their moral and spiritual contributions to governance.
The statement said, “Under Dr Matawalle’s visionary leadership, the Ulamas were treated with dignity and given a permanent office within the Government House. The former governor even built a befitting office complex, complete with an Islamic library and sponsored scholars for further studies within and outside Nigeria.”
It recalled that Matawalle’s administration had invited notable Islamic figures, including Malam Aminu Daurawa and Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to commission the scholars’ office — a move the group said reflected humility and respect for religious scholarship.
However, the ZGGF lamented that Governor Lawal Dare allegedly dismantled this legacy by evicting the scholars from their Government House offices and converting the space into the First Lady’s office, spending millions of naira on renovations.
The group accused the governor of showing “disdain and disregard for the moral foundations” of Zamfara State, only to later seek the Ulamas’ prayers as elections draw nearer.
“This sudden show of religious concern is a calculated attempt to manipulate public sentiment,” the statement added.
The forum urged the Ulamas to “distinguish between sincerity and political showmanship,” emphasising that Zamfara needs leadership founded on respect, morality, and responsibility — not deceit or opportunism.