The Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State to remain united and committed to the party’s growth despite ongoing internal processes ahead of the 2027 elections.

Matawalle gave the advice while receiving 85 APC House of Assembly aspirants who were not cleared by the party’s screening committee during a courtesy visit to his residence in Gusau.

The aspirants said they visited the minister to reaffirm their loyalty to the APC and demonstrate their willingness to continue supporting the party despite the outcome of the screening exercise.

Addressing the delegation, Matawalle assured them that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) was reviewing petitions submitted by affected aspirants and urged them to remain calm and patient.
According to him, the screening process is still ongoing and the party remains committed to fairness, justice and equal opportunities for all members.

“The APC is a party founded on fairness and justice. I urge you to remain steadfast and continue supporting the party while the review process runs its course,” he said.

The delegation was led by Hon. Sulaiman Shu’aibu Shinkafi, an aspirant for the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Shinkafi Constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Shinkafi expressed appreciation to the minister for his leadership and efforts at fostering unity within the party.

He reiterated the aspirants’ commitment to the APC and pledged their continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Matawalle commended the aspirants for their maturity and loyalty, describing their commitment to the party’s success as commendable.

The minister also spoke on national security, assuring Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to tackling insurgency, banditry and other security challenges 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,” he said.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to addressing these security challenges and restoring lasting peace across the nation.”

Matawalle further highlighted several infrastructure projects being undertaken by the federal government, including the Zamfara–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway and the Sokoto–Badagry road project.

He described President Tinubu as a courageous and visionary leader whose administration is focused on driving economic growth and development across the country.

“The ongoing Zamfara–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway project, as well as the Sokoto–Badagry road project, clearly demonstrate the President’s commitment to the transformation and economic advancement of the Northern region,” he said.

According to him, the projects will improve transportation, boost trade and agriculture, and stimulate economic growth.
Matawalle expressed satisfaction with the unity and determination displayed by the aspirants, noting that their resolve to work for the APC’s success in 2027 was encouraging.

The meeting formed part of ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts aimed at strengthening the APC structure in Zamfara State ahead of the next general elections.

Among those present at the meeting were former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ahmad Anka; former Speakers of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bature Umar Sambo and Rt. Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya; the APC State Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi, and other party stakeholders.