The Honourable Minister of State for Defence and former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has formally declared that he will not contest the 2027 governorship election, throwing his full weight behind incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal.
Matawalle made the declaration on Tuesday during a grand reception held at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau to officially welcome Governor Lawal into the APC. The high-profile event was led by Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, attracting a large gathering of political heavyweights and supporters.
“I will not run for the governorship race in 2027. Governor Dauda Lawal is my sole gubernatorial candidate in Zamfara. I will give my best to support him, Insha Allah,” Matawalle declared to thunderous applause.
Describing the occasion as “historic,” the former governor emphasized that, for the first time, all former governors of Zamfara State and the incumbent governor are united under one political platform—a development he said marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation and progress in the state.
Matawalle further expressed confidence in the APC’s strength in Zamfara, recalling that the party secured a decisive victory in the 2023 presidential election with a margin exceeding 100,000 votes. He projected an even stronger performance in 2027, assuring that the state would deliver the highest votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nationwide.
Earlier, Governor Lawal had formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on March 9, 2026, following what his aides described as extensive consultations with key stakeholders. His defection has since reshaped the political landscape of the North-West state.
Calling for unity, Matawalle urged party stakeholders, supporters, and residents of Zamfara to rally behind the governor and support his administration for sustained development.
“I believe Zamfara will be better now as we come together with a shared commitment to work for the collective good,” he added.
The event also featured goodwill messages from top APC leaders. Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, described Lawal’s defection as a defining moment for the North-West, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, speaking on behalf of APC governors, assured Lawal of their full support and reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu.
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, hailed the gathering as historic, noting that it reflects Zamfara’s progressive political identity and renewed unity.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who presented the party’s flag to Governor Lawal, stated that the ruling party continues to attract visionary leaders due to its commitment to progress, order, and national development.
The event witnessed a massive turnout, with thousands of supporters lining the streets of Gusau, waving banners in support of President Tinubu and Governor Lawal’s anticipated re-election bid.
Dignitaries in attendance included governors from across the federation, former governors of Zamfara State, members of the National Assembly, and other prominent political stakeholders.
