Federal Government pledges to address rising crime in Zamfara State after governor defects to ruling party

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The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the security challenges in Zamfara State as Governor Dauda Lawal officially defected to the All Progressives Congress.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima made the pledge on Tuesday in Gusau while formally receiving the governor into the APC.

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Shettima said the Federal Government would deploy adequate security personnel and equipment to combat banditry that has continued to threaten lives and property in the state.

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He congratulated Lawal on joining the ruling party and assured him of the Federal Government’s support and cooperation to advance development in the state.

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The Vice President also urged residents of Zamfara to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lawal in the 2027 general elections.

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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”.

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“We will give necessary assistance and support to Governor Dauda Lawal to continue with the good work he has started”.

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“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.”

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In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that he would not contest the Zamfara governorship election in 2027, declaring his support for Lawal’s second-term ambition.

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“I have withdrawn my intention to contest for the governorship election, and I will wholeheartedly help my brother, Governor Dauda Lawal, to be reelected in 2027”.

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Also speaking, Lawal said he would continue the developmental strides he began while in the People’s Democratic Party.

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He expressed appreciation to APC stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation, which he said facilitated his defection to the party.

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Lawal assured party members that his administration would be inclusive and focused on the progress of the state.

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“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”.

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“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.

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“I promise to give equal treatment to all party members for the betterment of our dear state.”

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Zamfara State has been one of the states most affected by banditry in northern Nigeria, with communities repeatedly facing attacks, kidnappings, and displacement of residents over the past few years.

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Several security operations have been launched by the federal government and security agencies to curb the activities of armed groups operating in the state and neighbouring areas.

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