The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of playing political games by reportedly setting a condition for joining the party—calling for the removal of Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In a statement released by APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party described the governor’s reported stance as “lies, prejudice, and evasion,” noting that Lawal has long been indecisive about leaving the ruling PDP while simultaneously lobbying to join the APC.
The statement also criticized the governor’s aides for disparaging the APC, except for a few who recognize the failures of the PDP in Zamfara.
The APC highlighted Matawalle’s contributions, recalling his pivotal role as Director-General of the Northwest Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 elections, which helped secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the region.
The minister has also led significant security operations, including coordinating the rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State, and combating banditry in the Northwest.
The party said Lawal’s conditional approach is unacceptable, emphasizing that Matawalle has been actively facilitating the defection of PDP members to the APC and strengthening the party’s presence in the state.
The APC stressed that the governor must first follow the party’s constitutional procedures and demonstrate goodwill, including releasing 270 APC members reportedly detained under his administration, before his entry can be accepted.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the party’s support for Matawalle and noting that both the APC National Secretariat and President Tinubu are closely monitoring developments in Zamfara.
APC Hits Gov. Dauda Lawal Over Conditional Defection, Defends Matawalle
