The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has refuted claims that Governor Dauda Lawal set a condition requiring the removal of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, before considering joining the party.
In a statement on Thursday, Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris said Matawalle remains more politically influential than the governor, highlighting his leadership role as Northwest Campaign Director-General during the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign.
The party accused Governor Lawal of resisting Matawalle’s federal security initiatives, including an alleged refusal to allow the minister to establish an operational base in Zamfara during anti-banditry operations.
Idris added that Matawalle has continued to attract defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both in Abuja and Zamfara.
“Governor Lawal is not in a position to set conditions for joining the APC.
“He is advised to consult party leaders in the state should he wish to switch political allegiance,”the statement read.
The APC reiterated its view that Matawalle is a key political figure in Zamfara and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise, signalling that the minister’s influence in state politics remains undisputed.
