I’ll Only Defect to APC if Matawalle is Sacked, Says Gov Lawal

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reportedly set the removal of Bello Mohammed Matawalle from his current federal position as the price for his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources say Lawal communicated his demand directly to the presidency during strategic discussions about his prospective switch to the ruling party.

According to insiders, Lawal made it clear that he would only consider joining the APC if Matawalle — a former governor of Zamfara and currently Minister of State for Defence — is removed from office.

Observers say the move is intended to pave the way for Lawal to take control of the APC machinery in Zamfara State, consolidating his influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The demand reportedly emerged from a high-level meeting between Lawal and presidential aides in Paris, where he expressed his readiness to defect to the APC, provided his conditions are met. Political analysts view the move as part of a broader power struggle within Zamfara politics, noting that Matawalle’s position and influence are seen as obstacles to Lawal’s ambitions.

Reactions from party stakeholders have been mixed. While some APC insiders are reportedly weighing the political benefits of accommodating Lawal’s demand, others have warned that removing Matawalle could spark intra-party tensions. PDP sources, meanwhile, have criticized the maneuver as a blatant political ploy aimed at destabilizing the party in Zamfara.

As negotiations continue, the unfolding saga underscores the high stakes of party defections in Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the intersection of federal appointments, state-level power plays, and strategic positioning ahead of upcoming elections.