Ex-Gov Matawalle Quits 2027 Race to Back Zamfara Gov Lawal After APC Defection

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading former Governor Bello Matawalle to withdraw from the 2027 gubernatorial race and endorse Lawal's re-election bid, according to Punch Nigeria. The announcement took place at a high-profile event in Gusau, where Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside 10 other governors and former Zamfara leaders Abdulaziz Yari and Mahmuda Shinkafi, welcomed Lawal into the party, as reported by Premium Times Nigeria.

The political shift has prompted further realignments within Zamfara’s political landscape. The Zamfara State Speaker and 12 other lawmakers defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, intensifying the consolidation of power for Lawal’s party, Premium Times notes. Additionally, Zamfara Commissioner Mr. Madawaki, who had contested Lawal as a PDP gubernatorial candidate, resigned due to his refusal to shift allegiance, creating a vacancy in the state cabinet (Premium Times).

Federal authorities have linked this political realignment with renewed focus on addressing the region’s insecurity challenges. Following Lawal's defection, the federal government pledges to deploy additional security personnel and equipment to Zamfara, with Vice President Shettima promising enhanced support, as Punch Nigeria reports. This gesture highlights the federal government’s strategy to stabilize the volatile region amid shifting political loyalties.

The wholesale defection of Zamfara’s entire assembly to the APC underscores the party’s growing dominance in the state, with significant implications for the 2027 elections and governance (Premium Times). How the opposition PDP will reorganize in Zamfara remains to be seen, especially following the loss of key figures and lawmakers who have migrated to APC.

Observers will be watching the impact of these defections on security initiatives and policy implementation in Zamfara, as the APC prepares for the next election cycle. The consolidation of political power within one party may affect electoral competitiveness and governance outcomes in the state going forward.