Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing speculations that he is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s position follows public calls from his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, urging him to abandon the PDP and join the APC.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Lawal’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, described the defection rumours as false and baseless.
“Some people have been spreading rumours that Governor Dauda Lawal is planning to dump his party, the PDP, and join the APC. There is no iota of truth in this,” Kaura said.
“Governor Lawal has no intention of leaving the PDP. He is a loyal party member who believes in God’s will, and whatever God has destined will happen—regardless of political affiliation.”
Matawalle’s Open Invitation to APC
Over the weekend, Bello Matawalle renewed his efforts to woo Governor Lawal into the APC. Speaking in his hometown of Maradun while receiving political supporters during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the former governor urged Lawal to publicly embrace the APC instead of playing what he called “a hide-and-seek game.”
In a statement issued by his former Information Commissioner, Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle said:
“Dauda Lawal should come and join the APC rather than the hide-and-seek type of game he is currently playing. He is welcome into the comfortable fold of the APC. We bear no grudge.”
The Minister touted the APC as the engine of progress, peace, and development in the country and urged Lawal to justify the state’s federal allocations by investing in critical infrastructure and public services.
Tinubu’s Influence and National Outlook
Matawalle also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “progressive trailblazer” committed to security and national development. He called on Zamfara residents to support the President, especially in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and economic revitalization.
“President Tinubu has shown that he holds Zamfara in high regard. He’s committed to ending insecurity and economic hardship in the state,” Matawalle said, citing recent military operations that reportedly eliminated several terrorist kingpins.
The Defence Minister added that his ministry and security agencies are working closely to implement the President’s directive to flush out terrorists and restore peace across the country.
