The Minister of State for Defence and immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, on Monday welcomed Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as a historic political development for the state and Nigeria.
Matawalle said Lawal’s decision to join the ruling party marked the beginning of a new chapter of unity and cooperation in tackling the numerous challenges confronting Zamfara.
The former governor’s Media Adviser, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Monday night in Abuja.
Matawalle noted that the development would strengthen collaboration among political stakeholders in addressing insecurity, banditry and kidnapping, which have continued to threaten peace in the North-West state.
He stressed that Zamfara requires the collective commitment of leaders and citizens to overcome its security challenges while supporting the development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, “Zamfara State now needs the collective commitment of all of us to confront and address our challenges, especially insecurity, banditry and kidnapping, while working together to support the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Matawalle described Lawal as a “friend and brother”, adding that the President’s political philosophy had continued to show that politics should serve as a platform for building bridges rather than deepening divisions.
“For me, this development represents a political reunion with a friend and brother. We are united by the shared belief that Nigeria can, and must, work for all citizens,” he said.
The minister also urged members and supporters of the APC across Zamfara State to close ranks and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He reaffirmed his commitment to work with Lawal and other stakeholders to pursue a shared vision of a safer, more secure and prosperous Zamfara State.