Pomp, Pageantry As VP Shettima, 10 Governors, Others Welcome Zamfara Governor Lawal Into APC

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, alongside 10 state governors including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum formally welcomed Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The grand reception, which took place on Tuesday at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, drew a large crowd of supporters, as well as members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the governor’s cabinet.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Vice President arrived at the newly constructed Gusau International Airport before proceeding to the event.

The statement listed the governors in attendance as: Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo), who also serves as the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum.

Also present were the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; along with several ministers, party chieftains, and other top dignitaries.

In his address, Vice President Shettima expressed confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges are approaching resolution, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making sustained efforts to guarantee lasting peace across the country.

“We pray for more unity and progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because our leader is working very hard to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria,” Shettima said.

He further stated that the security situation in Zamfara and other affected states would be significantly addressed, adding that Governor Lawal’s decision to join the APC would enhance the coordinated response required to achieve that goal.

The Vice President also asserted that opposition parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would struggle to maintain a foothold in Zamfara, as key political figures in the state are now aligned under the APC umbrella. He commended the people of Zamfara for their support of both the governor and the party.

Speaking on behalf of the APC governors, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, described Lawal’s defection as a win-win development for Zamfara.

“The APC is a moving train, and we are delighted that Zamfara has now joined that train,” Uzodinma said. “All APC governors will support Governor Lawal to deliver even more for the people of this state.”

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal assured party leaders and supporters of his commitment to fairness, justice, and diligent service to the people of Zamfara State.

The event also witnessed the presence of three former governors of Zamfara State Abdulaziz Yari, Bello Matawalle, and Mahmuda Shinkafi who all expressed their full support and pledged to work collaboratively with Governor Lawal.