Abuja: President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday formally received Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging renewed federal action to confront insecurity in Zamfara and across the North West.
Tinubu assured citizens that his administration will intensify efforts to restore peace and stability in the troubled region.
The president made this assurance in Gusau, Zamfara, during the official ceremony welcoming Lawal, who had previously declared his intention to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday.
Lawal, elected on the PDP platform, earlier cited the party’s unresolved crisis as his reason for joining the APC.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kassim Shettima, addressed a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Gusau International Trade Fair complex.
The president expressed sympathy for victims of banditry and kidnapping affecting the region for decades.
He stated that federal and state governments will reinforce military and security efforts to end the menace in the region.
He said Lawal’s move to the APC would boost support for security efforts to end banditry in Zamfara and the region.
He praised Lawal’s decision to join the APC, calling it wise.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to restoring law and order in the region.
He commended the former governors of the state, Sen. Ahmed Yerima, Alhaji Mahmuda Shinkafi, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), and Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State Defence, for accepting to support Gov. Lawal in the efforts to end banditry in the state.
The president assured supporters of the APC’s victory in the 2027 general elections, citing unity among top party leaders and supporters in the state.
Shettima arrived at the Gusau International Trade Fair at 4 p.m. to welcome Gov. Lawal to the APC. He was accompanied by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Gov. Hope Uzodima, and the Governor of Imo State, among other APC governors.
TAPC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda presented the party flag to Gov. Lawal and pledged APC’s support.
Pic from left: Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Gov Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Governor of Zamfara State, Sen Abdulaziz Yari and Aminu Jaji during the official reception of Gov Lawal into the All Progressives Congress in Gusau, Zamfara State on Tuesday(24/3/26)
0190/TUE/MARCH/24/2026/Sumaila Ibrahim/ICE/NAN
