The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has announced that he will not contest the 2027 governorship election, pledging instead to support Dauda Lawal for a second term.
Matawalle made this known on Tuesday during the official reception of Governor Lawal into the All Progressives Congress, following the governor’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.
The event drew prominent political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and former governor Abdulaziz Yari, alongside party leaders and stakeholders.
Speaking at the gathering, Matawalle declared his full support for Lawal’s re-election bid.
“I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother Governor Dauda Lawal to be reelected in 2027,” he said.
Matawalle, a major figure in the APC in Zamfara, had previously lost the governorship to Lawal in the 2023 election when the latter was still a PDP candidate.
In his remarks, Shettima reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state, particularly banditry. He assured residents that more personnel and equipment would be deployed to restore peace.
“The Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to get rid of the marauding bandits who have been terrorising the people of the state. We will give necessary assistance and support to Governor Dauda Lawal to continue with the good work he has started. I am calling on the good people of the state to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in the 2027 general elections,” Shettima said.
Governor Lawal, addressing supporters, assured that his defection to the APC would not affect governance in the state. He expressed appreciation to both PDP loyalists who followed him into the APC and existing party members who welcomed them.
“I am highly elated to be a member of the All Progressives Congress, and I will continue to work harder for the rapid progress of our dear state. I want to use this opportunity to thank both the PDP supporters who have joined me to defect to the APC and also the APC members who have accepted our defection. I promise to give equal treatment to all party members for the betterment of our dear state,” he said.
Lawal officially left the PDP on March 9, citing persistent leadership crises within the party as the reason for his defection.
What you should know
Bello Matawalle’s decision not to contest reshapes the political landscape in Zamfara ahead of 2027.
His endorsement strengthens Dauda Lawal’s position within the APC, especially following the governor’s recent defection.
The development signals growing political realignments and could influence party dynamics, voter alignment, and the overall outcome of the next governorship election in the state.
