The Minister and former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has declared that he will not contest for the governorship seat in 2027 upcoming elections, reaffirming his full support for the incumbent Governor, Dauda Lawal, as his sole candidate for the governorship seat in Zamfara.
Matawalle made this known in Gusau during the grand reception to officially welcome Governor Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The reception was led by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON, at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau on Tuesday, 24th March, 2026.
Describing the occasion as historic Matawalle noted that, for the first time, all former governors of Zamfara State alongside the incumbent governor are united under one political platform.
He added that in the 2023 Presidential Election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a decisive victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, with a margin exceeding 100,000 votes, looking ahead to 2027, Minister Matawalle said Zamfara State is again set to deliver the highest votes for President Bola Tinubu than any state in the federation.
He emphasized that this unity signals a new era of cooperation and progress for the state.
“I will give my best to support Governor Dauda Lawal, Insha Allah. I believe Zamfara will be better now as we come together with a shared commitment to work for the collective good,” Matawalle stated.
Earlier, on Monday, March 9, Governor Lawal formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC following wide consultations.
The decision was confirmed by his deputy Mallam Mani Mummuni at the Government House in Gusau and later reaffirmed in a statement by his media aide.
Matawalle further called on all stakeholders, supporters, and well-wishers across Zamfara State to rally behind Governor Lawal and give maximum cooperation to ensure the success of Governor Dauda administration.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as an inclusive leader whose listening ability, merit-driven approach, and political foresight have positioned the APC as the most formidable political force in Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, representing the Senate President, described Governor Lawal’s defection as a defining moment that heralds a new political dawn for the North-West region.
On behalf of APC governors, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, assured Governor Lawal of their support, while reaffirming continued loyalty to President Tinubu. He described the development as a “win-win” for Zamfara State and a moment of collective commitment.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, described the event as historic, noting that Zamfara has once again demonstrated its progressive political character.
He expressed optimism that the state is now more united than ever.
Also speaking, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, while presenting the APC flag to Governor Lawal, highlighted that the party continues to attract visionary leaders due to its commitment to order, progress, and national development.
According to him, the APC remains a platform where patriotism and ideas thrive.
As has become common with Minister Matawalle’s trips, he received an overwhelming turnout, with thousands of supporters lining the streets of Gusau. Many displayed banners expressing support for President Tinubu and Governor Dauda re-election ambition.
The ceremony was attended by some distinguished leaders, including Governors from across the federation, former governors of Zamfara State and across the federation, members of the National Assembly, and other prominent stakeholders across Nigeria.
