APC Defends Matawalle’s Visit to Zamfara as PDP Expresses Discomfort
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the planned visit of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to Zamfara State, following expressions of discomfort from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
In a statement on Monday in Gusau, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, said the PDP’s reaction showed the ruling party was “worried and unsettled.”
“The ruling PDP in Zamfara State is confused, disjointed and afraid. At every turn, its members — including highly placed individuals and supporters — continue to leave the party due to its non-performance,” Idris said.
He dismissed a statement by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Halliru Andi, who reportedly urged Matawalle to cancel his visit and remain at his duty post in Abuja.
Idris maintained that as a federal appointee, the minister has the constitutional right to visit any part of the country, including his home state.
Idris added that Matawalle had previously operated from Sokoto State on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after, according to him, Governor Dauda Lawal allegedly did not allow the minister to operate from Zamfara.
He said the minister’s planned visit “may have sent shivers through the ranks of the PDP,” but noted that the trip would proceed with the Presidency’s approval.
“As a citizen of Zamfara State and leader of the APC in the state, he has every right to visit his people, his party and his supporters,” Idris stated.
The APC spokesman criticised the PDP for attempting to interfere in the minister’s personal and political activities, recalling that the party had previously faulted visits by Zamfara citizens to Matawalle in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that more politicians, particularly from the PDP, would join the APC and welcomed the minister’s trip to the state.
Idris also urged the PDP-led government to focus on governance and called on Governor Dauda Lawal to address worsening insecurity in Zamfara, noting that the governor was out of the country for his son’s graduation while multiple communities faced attacks.
At the time of filing this report, the PDP had yet to respond to the APC’s claims.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
