Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has welcomed the defection of Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as a historic moment for the political future of Zamfara State.
Matawalle made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he said the governor’s move signals a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing the state, particularly insecurity.
According to him, the defection also aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today marks a historic moment in the political history of our state and our dear nation as we welcome a friend and brother, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency, @daudalawal_, into our great party, the APC,” Matawalle wrote.
The former Zamfara governor noted that the state needs collective commitment from political leaders and stakeholders to tackle insecurity and promote sustainable development.
He said the governor’s decision to join the APC places him within a progressive political family committed to improving the lives of citizens.
“Zamfara State now needs the collective commitment of all of us to confront and address our challenges, especially insecurity, while working together to deliver the realisation of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Matawalle stated.
He added that the party would support Governor Lawal to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for the people of the state.
“Governor Dauda is now part of a progressive family. Therefore, we warmly welcome him into this fold so that we can support him and work together with all our strengths to ensure a more secure, safe, and prosperous Zamfara State.”
Matawalle also described the development as a political reunion built on shared goals and national progress.
He noted that President Tinubu has demonstrated that politics should focus on unity rather than division.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown us that politics is not war; rather, it is the art of building bridges across rivers of difference. For me, this is a political reunion with my friend and brother. We are a family united by the shared belief that Nigeria can, and must, work for all citizens,” he said.
The defence minister further called on members of the APC to unite and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, while pledging his support for the administration of Governor Lawal in Zamfara State.
