Lawal defection APC gains momentum as Shettima pledges stronger security support to tackle banditry in Zamfara State

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Zamfara State, as Governor Dauda Lawal formally defected to the All Progressives Congress.

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Shettima made the pledge in Gusau on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, while receiving the governor into the ruling party, describing the move as a significant political development with implications for governance and stability in the state.

The Vice President said the Federal Government would deploy adequate security personnel and equipment to combat banditry, which has continued to threaten lives and property across Zamfara.

“The federal government will do everything humanly possible to get rid of the marauding bandits who have been terrorising the people of the state,” Shettima said, assuring the governor of full cooperation to advance development initiatives.

He also called on residents to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lawal in the 2027 general elections.

In a notable political shift, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, pledging his support for Lawal’s second-term bid.

“I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother, Governor Dauda Lawal, to be reelected in 2027,” Matawalle said.

Responding, Lawal expressed appreciation to party stakeholders for facilitating his move from the People’s Democratic Party to the APC, promising inclusive governance and accelerated development.

“I am highly elated to be a member of the APC and I will continue to work harder for the rapid progress of our dear state,” he said, assuring equal treatment for all party members.

The Lawal defection APC development comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, where communities have faced repeated attacks, kidnappings and displacement linked to banditry.

Despite multiple military operations in the region, security concerns remain acute, prompting renewed federal assurances of decisive intervention.

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Observers say the convergence of political alignment and federal backing could prove pivotal in shaping both security outcomes and governance in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.