By: John Bassey, Gusau.
The immediate past Governor of Zamfara state and the serving Minister of state for Defence Dr. Bello Matawale Maradun has successfully engaged the 85 state House of Assembly Aspirants who were not cleared at the recent APC screening in Zamfara state.
The meeting was convened at his resident in GRA Area of Gusau where he received the aspirants, who were not cleared by the party’s screening committee, on a courtesy visit to reaffirm their loyalty to the APC and their readiness to continue supporting the party despite the outcome of the screening process.
The party leader urged the Aspirants to remain calm, united, steadfast and committed to the course of the party, ensuring that APC grow stronger and bigger in the state to administer enviable dividend for them and other anticipating supporters in the state.
The aspirants, who were not cleared by the party’s screening committee, paid the Minister a courtesy visit to reaffirm their loyalty to the APC and their readiness to continue supporting the party despite the outcome of the screening process.
The Honourable Minister assured the aspirants that the APC National Working Committee, NWC were currently reviewing all their petitions and urged them to remain calm as the process is still ongoing because the day’s activities have not ended.
According to the Minister, APC remains a party built on fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all members at all levels.
The delegation was led by Hon. Sulaiman Shu’aibu Shinkafi, an aspirant for the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Shinkafi Constituency, who expressed appreciation for the Minister’s openness, leadership, and fatherly role in strengthening unity within the party.
Declaring their unflinching support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal ahead of the 2027 general elections, they assured that their grievances would not stop them from supporting the re-election bid of President Tinubu and Governor Lawal.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the aspirants to the ideals and vision of the APC, while pledging their continued support towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in 2027.
Dr. Matawalle further stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to intensify efforts aimed at improving security across the country.
“We are still confronting insurgency, Boko Haram activities, and ISWAP operations in the North-East, as well as banditry in the North-West. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to addressing these security challenges and restoring lasting peace across the nation,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted several developmental projects being undertaken by the Tinubu administration, describing the President as a courageous and visionary leader committed to transforming the country for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“We are indeed fortunate that God has blessed Nigeria with a leader like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at this critical period in our nation’s history. The ongoing Zamfara–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway project, as well as the Sokoto–Badagary road project, clearly demonstrate the President’s commitment to the transformation and economic advancement of the Northern region. These projects will improve transportation, enhance trade and agriculture, and accelerate economic growth,” he added.
Dr. Bello Matawalle expressed delight at the unity, maturity, and determination displayed by the aspirants, noting that their collective resolve to work for the success of the APC in 2027 was commendable and inspiring.
The engagement forms part of ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts by the Minister aimed at strengthening the APC structure in Zamfara State and ensuring a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those present at the meeting were the former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alh. Mukhtar Ahmad Anka (Sardaunan Anka), former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bature Umar Sambo, former Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, the State APC Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi (Dan Malikin Gidan Goga) and other prominent party stakeholders.
