Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has dismissed growing speculation that he intends to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rebuttal follows comments from the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who publicly encouraged Lawal to defect, claiming the move would strengthen unity and foster development in the state.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the governor’s media aide, Mustafa Kaura, reaffirmed Lawal’s loyalty to the PDP, stating that the governor remains committed to the party under which he was elected in 2023.
“There is no truth to the claim that Governor Dauda Lawal is leaving the PDP. He is fully committed to the party and its ideals,” Kaura said.
In a statement issued Sunday from Gusau by former Information Commissioner Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle doubled down on his invitation, accusing Lawal of being evasive about his political allegiance.
“Lawal should stop sneaking around and openly join the APC,” Matawalle said during a Sallah gathering at his residence in Maradun.
Despite the political tension, Matawalle maintained that he harbours no personal animosity towards Lawal. He described the APC as a forward-looking party focused on development, security, and peace.
He further urged Lawal to channel federal funds towards critical infrastructure and praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and developmental agenda.
“President Tinubu is committed to the development of the country and welcomes all who support peace and progress,” Matawalle noted.
The minister also called on APC members in Zamfara to rally behind the president’s initiatives, especially in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, security, and the economy.
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