The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that he will not contest the 2027 governorship election.
He announced his decision at the official reception of the governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bellnews reports that the Minister was ousted from power in 2023 by Lawal, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Matawalle, however, has promised to support Lawal’s re-election bid.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, Matawalle said, “I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother Governor Dauda Lawal to be re-elected in 2027.”
At the event were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former governors, including Abdulaziz Yari, leaders of the APC and other chieftains of the party in Zamfara State.
Addressing the crowd at the event, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to ending security challenges in Zamfara State.
Shettima assured that the Federal Government would deploy adequate security personnel and equipment to combat banditry effectively.
He also pledged full support for the governor’s initiatives to move the state forward.
He called on residents to re-elect President Bola Tinubu and the Zamfara governor in the 2027 general election.
“The Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to get rid of the marauding bandits who have been terrorising the people of the state.
“We will give necessary assistance and support to Governor Dauda Lawal to continue with the good work he has started.
“I am calling on the good people of the state to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in the 2027 general elections,” he said.