The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the security challenges in Zamfara State as Governor Dauda Lawal officially defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the pledge on Tuesday in Gusau while formally receiving the governor into the APC.
Shettima said the Federal Government would deploy adequate security personnel and equipment to combat banditry that has continued to threaten lives and property in the state.
He congratulated Lawal on joining the ruling party and assured him of the Federal Government’s support and cooperation to advance development in the state.
The Vice President also urged residents of Zamfara to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lawal in the 2027 general elections.
He stated, “The federal government will do everything humanly possible to get rid of the marauding bandits who have been terrorising the people of the state”.
“We will give necessary assistance and support to Governor Dauda Lawal to continue with the good work he has started”.
“I am calling on the good people of the state to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in the 2027 general élections.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that he would not contest the Zamfara governorship election in 2027, declaring his support for Lawal’s second-term ambition.
“I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother, Governor Dauda Lawal, to be reelected in 2027”.
Also speaking, Lawal said he would continue the developmental strides he began while in the People’s Democratic Party.
He expressed appreciation to APC stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation, which he said facilitated his defection to the party.
Lawal assured party members that his administration would be inclusive and focused on the progress of the state.
“I am highly elated to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and I will continue to work harder for the rapid progress of our dear state”.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank both the PDP supporters who have joined me to defect to the APC and also the APC members who have accepted our defection.
“I promise to give equal treatment to all party members for the betterment of our dear state.”
Zamfara State has been one of the states most affected by banditry in northern Nigeria, with communities repeatedly facing attacks, kidnappings, and displacement of residents over the past few years.
Several security operations have been launched by the federal government and security agencies to curb the activities of armed groups operating in the state and neighbouring areas.
