Gov Lawal demands Matawalle’s removal as price for APC defection

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has intensified efforts aimed at securing the removal of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as part of conditions for his proposed defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the development said the governor has been seeking control of the APC structure in Zamfara ahead of his anticipated move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

Governor Lawal was said to have held a strategic meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France, alongside the governors of Enugu and Taraba states. At the meeting, he reportedly expressed willingness to defect to the APC if his terms were met.

The Paris meeting, held at the Peninsula Hotel months ago, was described as a turning point in ongoing negotiations, with the Zamfara governor returning home to strengthen his political conditions.

Insiders alleged that Governor Lawal has consistently pressed the Presidency to oust Matawalle from office and transfer APC leadership in the state to him as a prerequisite for joining the party.

The resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence was said to have renewed the governor’s push, as he reportedly urged the Presidency to move swiftly in removing Matawalle from the cabinet.

Political analysts suggest that the governor’s push is anchored on his desire to assume full influence within the APC should his defection materialise.

It was also gathered that Governor Lawal is receiving support from top security circles to facilitate reports capable of undermining the standing of the Minister of State for Defence.

Sources alleged that once Matawalle is removed, Governor Lawal plans to mobilise his PDP structure and loyalists into the APC to consolidate dominance ahead of 2027.

Observers note that the Zamfara governor perceives Matawalle as a stumbling block to his political ambition, particularly within the northwest region.

There are suggestions that Lawal is uncomfortable with the former Zamfara governor’s growing influence and the recognition he has received for security interventions.

Matawalle has, in recent months, been credited with key federal assignments, including the rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and interventions in restoring peace in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara.

The unfolding power tussle now sets the tone for what may become one of the most consequential political realignments in Zamfara and the northwest as both men jostle for control, influence and relevance ahead of future elections.(Vanguard)