Bello Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State, has announced he won’t contest the 2027 governorship election, instead throwing his weight behind incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal’s re-election bid.
This declaration came during Governor Lawal’s official reception into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gusau, the state capital.
Matawalle emphasized his commitment to supporting Lawal, saying, “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.”
He highlighted the unity among Zamfara’s former governors, now under the APC platform, which he believes will help deliver the highest votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Governor Lawal’s defection to the APC followed an appeal court ruling affirming a federal high court judgement that restrained the PDP from conducting its national convention. Lawal cited lingering litigation and internal crisis within the PDP as reasons for his move.
He thanked stakeholders of both parties for their support and assured inclusivity in his administration.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former governors, including Abdulaziz Yari, and other APC leaders. Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending security challenges in Zamfara State and pledged support for Lawal’s initiatives.
