Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday formally welcomed Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging party members to stay united for the progress of the state.
Shettima arrived in Gusau, the state capital, at about 3:30 p.m., where he was received by Governor Lawal and other party stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President praised Lawal’s decision to join the ruling party, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also commended the move. He assured residents that Zamfara would continue to benefit from federal government efforts, especially in tackling insecurity, improving education and healthcare, and safeguarding lives and property.
“I am very happy today to receive my friend Governor Dauda Lawal into the fold of our great party, the APC, and I call on all party leaders in the state to strengthen unity amongst themselves for the benefit of Zamfara,” Shettima said.
Also speaking, former governor and current Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, described the defection as a major turning point in the state’s political landscape. He revealed that he has stepped down from his 2027 governorship ambition to support Lawal’s second-term bid.
“I am calling on all my supporters across the 14 local government areas of the state to give full support to Governor Dauda Lawal’s second term in the 2027 governorship elections,” Matawalle stated.
In his response, Governor Lawal expressed satisfaction with his move to the APC, calling it a “welcome back home.” He explained that ongoing issues within his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), influenced his decision.
He assured party members of inclusiveness and pledged to continue developmental projects, improve security, and drive economic growth across the state.
“My defection to APC will, by the grace of God, bring more peace and unity to Zamfara. I assure every party member will be carried along and treated equally, and I will continue to deliver developmental projects across all 14 local government areas,” Lawal said.
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