Gusau / Abuja — December 3, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reportedly made the ouster of Defence Minister Bello Matawalle a precondition for his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, as part of a broader bid to take control of the party’s structure in Zamfara ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Lawal believes that retaining Matawalle a former governor of Zamfara and current federal commissioner would give the minister undue influence and power over the APC in the state, undermining Lawal’s ambition to lead the party.
The demand comes amid prior tensions between the two politicians. Matawalle had previously publicly urged Governor Lawal to formally join the APC, calling for clarity and openness rather than a “hide-and-seek” approach.
But the demand for removal has stirred resistance. Groups within APC and supporters of Matawalle have pushed back, warning that such a condition could destabilise party unity. For instance, the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has appealed to the President to retain Matawalle, citing his contributions to national security and regional stability.
Critics argue that the insistence on Matawalle’s removal signals internal power struggles turning a prospective defection into a fraught transaction likely to deepen factional divisions in Zamfara politics. Observers warn that the standoff may polarise supporters and complicate any smooth transition the governor hopes to achieve within APC.
As of press time, neither the national leadership of the APC nor Matoawalle have publicly commented on the demand from Gov Lawal. Local watchers continue to monitor the situation saying the resolution could shape the political landscape of Zamfara ahead of the 2027 election cycle.