“Stop hiding, join APC openly” – Matawalle dares Zamfara governor amid defection rumours

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has publicly called on Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to end his alleged “hide and seek” tactics over secret plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Matawalle, a former governor of the state and now a top member of the APC, made the comments during Sallah festivities in Maradun, urging Lawal to stop sneaking around and declare his political intentions in the open.

“Instead of hiding in the day and appearing at night, the governor should be bold enough to follow due process and join the APC like a true progressive,” Matawalle stated

He stressed that the APC is a party of order and humility, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is welcoming to all who wish to join the ruling party.

Matawalle said he would harbour no personal grudge against Lawal should he decide to switch camps, but warned against the kind of political gamesmanship currently playing out in Zamfara.

He also used the opportunity to assure his supporters of continued commitment to their welfare and urged them to back Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in security and economic reforms.

The defence minister took a swipe at Lawal’s administration, accusing it of doing little to address the ongoing banditry in the state.

According to him, Lawal is deceiving the people instead of taking decisive action, unlike during his tenure as governor.

He claimed the state enjoyed relative peace and tangible development during his administration, despite receiving monthly allocations of only ₦3 to ₦4 billion, compared to what he alleged is now ₦19 to ₦24 billion under Governor Lawal.

“Let him tell the people how much the state receives monthly and where it is going. Development should be visible,” Matawalle challenged.