The Northern Elders of the All Progressives Congress Forum praised President Bola Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle on Tuesday. The group reacted to reports that eight members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly returned to the ruling party.
Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, the forum chairman, issued a statement to journalists. He said the development could help resolve internal disputes and strengthen the APC structure in Zamfara ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar noted that the lawmakers agreed to return after discussions with Matawalle. The minister has led efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and consolidate the party’s presence in the North-West. Matawalle also presented the lawmakers to Tinubu after they reaffirmed their allegiance.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly role and commitment to promoting reconciliation within the party, despite his tight schedule. His leadership and willingness to encourage dialogue remain crucial to strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Abubakar said.
The forum further praised Matawalle. Abubakar stated that the former Zamfara governor showed dedication in restoring confidence among party members and preventing further divisions.
“We equally commend the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for his dedication, energy and efforts towards reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening the APC’s political structure in Zamfara State and the North-West,” he added.
The elders said the lawmakers’ return could help rebuild internal cohesion and strengthen grassroots structures. They also urged APC leadership to sustain reconciliation efforts and address grievances of other members.
“We appeal to all stakeholders in the North, particularly in the North-West, to embrace genuine reconciliation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. Party unity must go beyond the return of elected officials; it must involve building trust and ensuring that every stakeholder has a sense of belonging,” the statement said.
Matawalle governed Zamfara from 2019 to 2023 before joining the APC. The reported return comes as the party seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the next elections.
