Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle has said he will not contest the 2027 governorship election in Zamfara State.
He made the announcement on Tuesday at the official reception of Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Minister Matawalle lost the governorship seat to Governor Lawal in 2023 after the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate won the election.
At the event, Matawalle said he had withdrawn his intention to run and would support Lawal’s re-election bid.
“I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother Governor Dauda Lawal to be re-elected in 2027,” he said.
The reception was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former governors, including Abdulaziz Yari, APC leaders and other party members in Zamfara State.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Shettima said the Federal Government remains committed to addressing security challenges in the state. He said security personnel and equipment would be deployed to respond to banditry.
He also said the Federal Government would support the governor’s programmes and called on residents to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Lawal in 2027.
“The Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to get rid of the marauding bandits who have been terrorising the people of the state.
“We will give necessary assistance and support to Governor Dauda Lawal to continue with the good work he has started.
“I am calling on the good people of the state to re-elect President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Lawal said his move from the PDP to the APC will not affect his administration. He thanked members of both parties and said his government will treat all stakeholders equally.
“I am highly elated to be a member of the All Progressives Congress, and I will continue to work harder for the rapid progress of our dear state.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank both the PDP supporters who have joined me to defect to the APC and also the APC members who have accepted our defection.
“I promise to give equal treatment to all party members for the betterment of our dear state,” he said.
Lawal formally left the PDP on March 9, citing internal party issues.
