Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Gusau on Tuesday to formally receive Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress. Governor Dauda Lawal defected from the Peoples Democratic Party along with his deputy and several cabinet members.
The event took place at a stakeholders meeting at the Government House. Zamfara State APC Chairman Tukur Danfulani Maikatako announced the arrangements earlier and confirmed the visit.
Governor Dauda Lawal joined the APC after careful consideration. He cited the overriding interest of stability, progress and sustainable development in Zamfara State.
Former Zamfara Information Commissioner Ibrahim Dosara welcomed the move. Ibrahim Dosara stated that the defection would foster political unity among leaders and strengthen efforts against insecurity.
In addition, former Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle urged collective commitment. Bello Muhammad Matawalle said Zamfara State now needed all stakeholders to confront challenges, especially insecurity.
The Federal Government vowed to tackle insecurity in the state following the defection. Vice President Kashim Shettima led the national delegation that included APC leaders. Officials linked the governor’s alignment with the ruling party to better coordination on security.
Moreover, the APC France Chapter hailed the development as a boost for President Bola Tinubu’s influence. The chapter chairperson Amina Suzuki described it as a major political step that aligned the North West firmly with the president.
Zamfara State has faced persistent banditry and attacks. Governor Dauda Lawal earlier convened emergency security meetings with heads of security agencies. He sympathised with affected communities and ordered a security overhaul.
Transitioning to the new party, leaders expressed hope that unity would accelerate development and improve safety. The defection reduced opposition-controlled states to five and increased APC membership in Zamfara significantly.
Stakeholders mobilised mass support during the reception. They reaffirmed commitment to end banditry through collaborative efforts. Vice President Kashim Shettima and other leaders addressed the gathering and emphasised renewed focus on peace. The event concluded with assurances of full cooperation between state and federal authorities.
