The Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State to remain united and dedicated to the party's progress, despite ongoing internal processes leading up to the 2027 elections.
Matawalle made this appeal while hosting 85 APC House of Assembly aspirants who were not cleared by the party's screening committee. The aspirants paid a courtesy visit to his residence in Gusau to reaffirm their loyalty to the APC and express their continued support for the party, regardless of the screening outcome.
Review of Petitions Underway
Addressing the delegation, Matawalle assured them that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) is currently reviewing petitions submitted by the affected aspirants. He urged them to remain calm and patient, emphasizing that the screening process is still ongoing and that the party is committed to fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all members.
"The APC is a party founded on fairness and justice. I urge you to remain steadfast and continue supporting the party while the review process runs its course," Matawalle stated.
The delegation was led by Hon. Sulaiman Shu'aibu Shinkafi, an aspirant for the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Shinkafi Constituency. Speaking on behalf of the group, Shinkafi expressed gratitude to the minister for his leadership and efforts in fostering unity within the party. He reiterated the aspirants' commitment to the APC and pledged their continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
National Security and Infrastructure
Matawalle commended the aspirants for their maturity and loyalty, describing their dedication to the party's success as commendable. The minister also addressed national security issues, reassuring Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to combating insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges across the country.
"We are still confronting insurgency, Boko Haram activities, and ISWAP operations in the North-East, as well as banditry in the North-West," he said. "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is fully committed to addressing these security challenges and restoring lasting peace across the nation."
Matawalle further highlighted several infrastructure projects being undertaken by the federal government, including the Zamfara–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway and the Sokoto–Badagry road project. He described President Tinubu as a courageous and visionary leader whose administration is focused on driving economic growth and development across the country.
"The ongoing Zamfara–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway project, as well as the Sokoto–Badagry road project, clearly demonstrate the President's commitment to the transformation and economic advancement of the Northern region," he said.
According to him, these projects will improve transportation, boost trade and agriculture, and stimulate economic growth. Matawalle expressed satisfaction with the unity and determination displayed by the aspirants, noting that their resolve to work for the APC's success in 2027 was encouraging.
Strengthening Party Structure
The meeting formed part of ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts aimed at strengthening the APC structure in Zamfara State ahead of the next general elections. Among those present at the meeting were former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ahmad Anka; former Speakers of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bature Umar Sambo and Rt. Hon. Nasiru Mu'azu Magarya; the APC State Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi, and other party stakeholders.
