Matawalle Backs Lawal, Rules Out 2027 Governorship Bid

On March 24, 2026, Bello Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara State, declared his full support for the incumbent governor, Dauda Lawal, and announced that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election. This announcement was made during a grand reception in Gusau, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other prominent political figures.

Matawalle emphasized the importance of unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and urged stakeholders to rally behind Governor Lawal for the upcoming elections. He highlighted the APC's recent victory over the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election in Zamfara.

The event also featured speeches from Deputy Mallam Mani Mummuni and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who described Lawal's defection from the PDP to the APC as a significant moment for the North West region. The ceremony showcased widespread support for both Governor Lawal and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with attendees displaying banners in support.