Shettima Welcomes Zamfara Governor to APC, Assures Nigerians of Improved Security

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed optimism that the country’s security challenges will soon be overcome, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intensifying efforts to restore peace nationwide.

The Vice President made the remarks on Tuesday in Gusau during a grand reception where he formally received Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shettima, who represented the President at the event, said the Tinubu administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the country, adding that unity and collaboration among political actors would accelerate progress.

He noted that the defection of Governor Lawal to the APC would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity in Zamfara and other affected regions, expressing confidence that opposition parties would struggle to gain ground in the state given the growing political alignment.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, said members of the National Assembly under the APC fully support the governor’s move, describing it as a step that would enhance cooperation and development.

Barau stressed that security challenges are not unique to Zamfara or Nigeria, but can be addressed through collective action between state and federal authorities. He urged residents to support the APC in future elections to sustain development gains.

Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the governor’s defection as a historic moment, declaring that Zamfara had effectively rejoined the progressive fold.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said APC governors were pleased to welcome Lawal, assuring him of their full support in delivering more development to the state.

Similarly, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, described Zamfara as now firmly aligned with the ruling party, commending the governor’s infrastructural strides, including ongoing development projects across the state.

At the event, Yilwatda presented the APC flag and broom—the party’s symbol—to Governor Lawal, marking his formal entry into the party.

In his response, Lawal thanked political leaders in the state, including former governors Abdulazeez Yari and Bello Matawalle, for their support. He pledged to work with all stakeholders to advance the state’s development and ensure the success of the APC in future elections.

Both Yari and Matawalle reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and expressed readiness to support the governor and President Tinubu, with Matawalle stating he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, endorsing Lawal as the party’s candidate.