Minister Bello Matawalle Excludes Himself from 2027 Zamfara Governorship Race
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has publicly declared that he will not be a candidate in the 2027 governorship election in Zamfara State. This announcement was made during an official reception event in Gusau, the state capital, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Endorsement of Governor Dauda Lawal
Matawalle endorsed the incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal as the sole candidate for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 election. He emphasized his commitment to supporting Lawal's re-election bid, stating, "I will give my best to support Governor Dauda Lawal, Insha Allah. I believe Zamfara will be better now as we come together with a shared commitment to work for the collective good." This endorsement follows Governor Lawal's recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on March 9, 2026.
Unity Among Zamfara's Political Leaders
The minister highlighted the significance of political unity in Zamfara, noting that for the first time, all former governors of the state, alongside the incumbent, are united under one political platform. He expressed confidence that this strengthened unity within the APC would enable Zamfara to deliver the highest votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Matawalle urged all stakeholders, supporters, and well-wishers to provide maximum cooperation to ensure the success of Governor Lawal's administration.
Background and Reactions
The reception event was led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, marking Governor Lawal's formal entry into the APC. Matawalle welcomed this development, describing it as a reunion with a long-time ally and emphasizing his readiness to collaborate with the governor to advance state development and combat insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections. He called on APC members to unite and work towards the party's progress, reinforcing the message of collective effort for Zamfara's future.
In related developments, Governor Lawal's decision to join the APC was reportedly driven by a desire to address internal crises within the PDP and enhance state unity. Acting Governor Mummuni announced this move after extensive consultations with key stakeholders in Zamfara, who supported the transition to strengthen the state's progressive movement and development agenda. This political shift underscores the dynamic landscape of Zamfara's politics as parties realign ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
