Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has welcomed Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lawal reportedly joined the ruling party on Monday, represented by the deputy governor and members of the state executive council, as APC flags were displayed at the Government House.
In a statement posted on his X account, Matawalle described the development as a notable moment in the political history of both the state and the country. He said the governor’s move to the APC would strengthen collective efforts to address challenges facing the state, particularly insecurity.
According to Matawalle, the development would also help advance the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today marks a historic moment in the political history of our state and our dear nation as we welcome a friend and brother, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, into our great party, the APC,” he said.
Matawalle added that politics should be seen as a means of building unity rather than division, describing Lawal’s defection as a political reunion.
He also called on party members to unite ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections, expressing confidence that the party would work together to achieve victory.
“As a progressive, I will support Governor Dauda Lawal in pursuing our collective vision for a more secure and prosperous Zamfara State,” he said.