Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging him to stop what he described as a “hide-and-seek” approach to political affiliation.
Matawalle made the appeal on Saturday at his residence in Maradun during a Sallah visit by his supporters, according to a statement released by former Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara.
He criticized Lawal, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for allegedly attempting to associate with the APC unofficially.
“Dauda Lawal should come and join the APC rather than the hide-and-seek type of game the governor is currently playing,” he said.
Matawalle assured that he held no personal grudge against Lawal and said the governor would be welcomed into the party.
He described the APC as a symbol of peace, development, and progress in Nigeria, and praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for prioritizing national security and economic development.
He said the Tinubu administration had already recorded successes in neutralizing terrorist leaders in Zamfara and other parts of the country and emphasized ongoing efforts to end insecurity in northern Nigeria by year’s end.
Matawalle expressed disappointment over the performance of the Zamfara State government, accusing it of failing to tackle insecurity and improve residents’ welfare despite receiving substantial monthly federal allocations.
He urged Governor Lawal to justify the funds by investing in development projects and basic infrastructure to meet the needs of the people.