Northern APC Peace Agenda Applauds Historic Reconciliation Between Zamfara Governor Lawal and Predecessor Matawalle

Northern APC Peace Agenda praises the 2027 reconciliation between Zamfara's Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle as a turning point for regional political stability.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Nation

A New Chapter for Zamfara Politics

The political landscape of Zamfara State has undergone a dramatic transformation, earning praise from the Northern APC Peace Agenda as a stabilizing development for the North West. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna, the group described the reconciliation between Governor Dauda Lawal and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, as a rare demonstration of political maturity. This realignment follows Governor Lawal's high profile departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress, a move that effectively unites the state’s current and past leadership under a single political banner.

Matawalle’s Strategic Withdrawal

Central to this newfound unity is the decision by Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, to forgo a bid for the governorship in 2027. Matawalle publicly declared his support for Lawal during a reception in Gusau, an event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top tier party figures. According to Alhaji Rabiu Ahmad, president of the Peace Agenda, Matawalle’s decision to prioritize party success over personal ambition reflects a "large heart" and a profound commitment to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Prioritizing Governance Over Rivalry

The group emphasized that this reconciliation is more than a simple political alliance, representing instead a turning point for governance in a region often hampered by intense rivalries. Ahmad noted that at a time when political divisions frequently undermine state progress, the coming together of Lawal and Matawalle sends a powerful message to the electorate. According to the group, this unity offers a unique opportunity to deepen governance, strengthen grassroots mobilization, and deliver meaningful development to the people of Zamfara without the distractions of internal party warfare.