…commends Matawalle’s large heart, love for President Tinubu’s success above personal interest
The Northern APC Peace Agenda has commended the political reconciliation between Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, describing their alliance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a stabilising development ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna and signed by its president, Alhaji Rabiu Ahmad, the group said Matawalle’s decision to forgo any governorship ambition and back Lawal reflects political maturity and a broader commitment to unity within the ruling party.
Matawalle, who currently serves as minister of state for defence, had publicly declared that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, throwing his weight behind Lawal during a high-profile reception marking the governor’s defection to the APC in Gusau.
Lawal’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC effectively realigns Zamfara’s political landscape, bringing both the incumbent and former governors into the same political fold.
The reception, attended by top party figures including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, underscored the significance of the development for the APC’s electoral calculations in the north-west region.
Reacting to the development, Ahmad said the reconciliation signals a rare moment of political responsibility and strategic foresight in a region often defined by intense rivalries.
“The coming together of Governor Dauda Lawal and former Governor Bello Matawalle under one political platform represents a turning point for Zamfara State,” Ahmad said.
“This is not just a political alignment; it is a demonstration of maturity, restraint, and a shared commitment to the stability and progress of the state. At a time when political divisions often undermine governance, this reconciliation sends a powerful message that unity can be prioritised over personal ambition.”
He added that Matawalle’s decision to step aside for Lawal underscores the “large heart” and a clear prioritisation of national interest and party cohesion.
“We commend former governor Matawalle for placing the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration above personal political considerations,” the statement reads.
“Such a decision reflects loyalty, discipline, and an understanding that the strength of the party and the country must come before individual aspirations. This is the kind of leadership that inspires confidence and strengthens democratic institutions.”
The Northern APC Peace Agenda further noted that the development could reshape political dynamics in Zamfara and the wider north-west region if sustained.
“This alignment has the potential to reset the political trajectory of Zamfara State. With both past and present leadership working together, there is now an opportunity to deepen governance, strengthen grassroots mobilisation, and deliver meaningful development to the people. We believe this unity, if maintained, will not only benefit Zamfara but also contribute to broader stability within the region,” Ahmad said.
The group also described Lawal’s defection as a pragmatic move that aligns the state more closely with the centre, potentially improving policy coordination and access to federal support.
Top APC figures have similarly welcomed the development. The party’s national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the APC continues to attract leaders committed to governance and national development.
