The Federal Government has restated its resolve to tackle insecurity in Zamfara State following the defection of Governor Dauda Lawal to the All Progressives Congress.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Tuesday, the 24th of March, 2026, in Gusau while formally welcoming Lawal into the ruling party.
He said the government would deploy more security personnel and equipment to address the banditry affecting lives and property across the state.
Shettima congratulated Lawal on his move and assured him of support to drive development efforts in Zamfara.
He also urged residents to back the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lawal in the 2027 general elections.
He stated, “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 élections.”
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also said he would not run for the governorship in 2027, pledging support for Lawal.
“I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother, Governor Dauda Lawal, to be reelected in 2027”.
Lawal, in his remarks, said he would sustain his development agenda despite the change in party.
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He thanked both PDP supporters who moved with him and APC members who received them.
“I am highly elated to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and I will continue to work harder for the rapid progress of our dear state”.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank both the PDP supporters who have joined me to defect to the APC and also the APC members who have accepted our defection.
“I promise to give equal treatment to all party members for the betterment of our dear state.”
Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by banditry in northern Nigeria, with repeated attacks, kidnappings, and displacement recorded in recent years.
Security operations by the federal government and agencies have continued in efforts to curb the activities of armed groups in the state and surrounding areas.