Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Rejects Defection Plot Amidst Bello Matawalle’s APC Overtures
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has firmly declared his commitment to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing speculations about a potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This stance comes in direct response to calls from former governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who urged Lawal to switch allegiance to the APC for the progress of Zamfara State.
In an exclusive statement to The PUNCH, Mustafa Kaura, Special Assistant to Governor Lawal on Media and Communications, confirmed that the governor has no intention of abandoning the party under whose platform he was elected as the state’s fifth civilian governor in 2023. Kaura said, “There is no iota of truth in the rumours that Governor Dauda Lawal plans to dump PDP for APC. PDP supporters should disregard such misinformation.”
Governor Lawal’s unwavering loyalty to the PDP underscores his belief in the party’s vision and the divine destiny that guides his leadership journey. “He is a true believer who believes in God and whatever God has destined to happen must happen, no matter the party he belongs,” Kaura emphasized.
The defection plot was brought into the spotlight after Bello Matawalle issued a public call at his residence in Maradun during the recent Sallah celebrations. In a statement released by former Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle urged Governor Lawal to join the APC openly rather than engaging in what he described as “hide-and-seek” political maneuvering.
Matawalle assured Lawal that there was no personal grudge against him and extended a warm welcome into the APC fold. He highlighted the APC as the party leading the charge for security, development, peace, and progress in Zamfara State. Furthermore, the minister appealed to Governor Lawal to justify the substantial federal allocations received by the state by prioritizing developmental projects and infrastructure.
In his remarks, Matawalle also praised President Bola Tinubu as a progressive leader adept at managing peace and fostering tranquility, encouraging Lawal to align with the APC for the betterment of Zamfara.
As the political tussle unfolds, Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to the PDP remains steadfast, signaling that the current party dynamics in Zamfara State will continue to shape the state’s governance and political landscape in the foreseeable future.
