The Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Matawalle made the appeal on Saturday at his residence in Maradun during a Sallah visit by his supporters. His former Information Commissioner, Ibrahim Dosara, released the statement on Sunday.
He advised Lawal to stop playing what he described as a “hide-and-seek game” and join the APC openly.
“Dauda Lawal should come and join the APC rather than the hide-and-seek type of game the governor is currently playing,” Matawalle said.
The minister added that he held no grudge against the governor and would welcome him into the party.
Matawalle described the APC as a party committed to security, development, and peace. He said joining the APC would help Zamfara move forward.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. According to him, the president prioritizes national development and unity.
“President Tinubu is focused on developing the country and welcomes everyone willing to join the movement for peace, harmony, and progress,” he said.
The minister reassured his supporters of his commitment to their welfare. He encouraged them to back Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Criticism of Zamfara Government’s Performance
Matawalle criticized the Zamfara State government for not doing enough to fight banditry and improve residents’ lives.
He said Tinubu’s administration had eliminated several terrorist kingpins and was working to end insecurity in northern Nigeria before year-end.
He revealed that the Ministry of Defence and other security agencies were putting measures in place to meet the president’s deadline.
Despite the state’s large monthly federal allocations, Matawalle said there was little to show in terms of infrastructure and basic services.
He urged Governor Lawal to justify the funds by launching visible developmental projects across the state.
