Shettima welcomes Zamfara Governor Lawal to APC, calls for unity among party members

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday formally welcomed Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging party members in Zamfara State to remain united for the overall development of the state.

Shettima arrived in Gusau, the state capital, at about 3:30 p.m. through the Gusau International Airport, where he was received by Governor Lawal and other top APC officials.

Addressing party faithful at the event, the Vice President praised Governor Lawal for joining the ruling party, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also commended the move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

He assured residents of Zamfara that the state would continue to benefit from federal government programmes, particularly in tackling insecurity, improving education and healthcare, as well as 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 of the state and current Minister of Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, described the defection as a major turning point in Zamfara politics. He announced his decision to step down from contesting the 2027 governorship election to support Governor Lawal’s second term ambition.

“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 said.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal expressed joy over his move to the APC, describing it as a return home. He attributed his defection to unresolved internal issues within the PDP.

He assured party members that his administration would be inclusive, promising to continue developmental projects, address security challenges, and promote 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.