Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has welcomed the defection of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okay News learnt that Matawalle described the governor’s move to the ruling party as “cheering and long overdue,” noting that he had long anticipated the alignment due to their shared goals for the development, stability, and prosperity of Zamfara State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minister congratulated Lawal for joining the APC and expressed optimism that the development would strengthen collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.
“I warmly welcome the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC). His decision to join the progressive family is both cheering and long overdue,” Matawalle said.
“For quite some time, I have believed that this alignment would eventually happen, given the shared aspirations we hold for the development, stability, and prosperity of Zamfara State.”
Matawalle added that aligning Zamfara with the ruling party at the centre would create opportunities for stronger cooperation and increased support for development programmes in the state.
“The APC has, over the years, become a reference point for progressive values, democratic transformation, and purposeful governance in Nigeria,” he said.
“By aligning Zamfara State with the ruling party at the centre, Governor Lawal has opened the door to a more harmonious and productive relationship with the APC-led Federal Government.”
The minister also noted that the development comes at a critical time when Zamfara continues to face serious security challenges, stressing that closer coordination between the state and the Federal Government would help address the situation.
“With the Governor now in the APC, we are better positioned to work together in a more unified, collaborative, and strategic manner to confront insecurity and restore peace and stability across the state,” he said.
“As the Minister of State for Defence, I look forward to strengthening this cooperation so that we can collectively deliver the security and stability our people deserve.”
Matawalle further said the governor’s decision comes at a significant political moment as the country gradually approaches another election cycle.
“The timing of this decision is also significant as we approach another important electoral cycle,” he said.
“It is important that we work together to consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also ensuring that the good people of Zamfara State continue to benefit from stable leadership at the state level.”
He added that unity within the APC would help deliver the state for President Tinubu while also supporting Governor Lawal’s future political mandate.
“I therefore assure Governor Dauda Lawal of my full support and cooperation as we work together, alongside the leadership of our great party and the Federal Government, to strengthen security, deepen development, and deliver greater progress for the people of Zamfara State,” Matawalle added.
