The Zamfara State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a war of words over a planned visit by Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The APC has accused the PDP of being “confused, disjointed and afraid” due to the planned visit, which the PDP has opposed.
According to Malam Yusuf Idris, APC State Publicity Secretary, the PDP’s opposition to Matawalle’s visit is a sign of worry and instability within the party. Idris stated that the PDP is experiencing a wave of defections due to its perceived non-performance. He dismissed a statement by PDP spokesperson Halliru Andi, who urged Matawalle to cancel his visit and remain in Abuja, citing the minister’s constitutional right to visit any part of Nigeria, including his home state.
Matawalle had previously operated from Sokoto State on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after Governor Dauda Lawal allegedly prevented him from functioning in Zamfara. The APC spokesperson maintained that the planned visit would proceed with the Presidency’s approval, despite the PDP’s objections. Idris accused the PDP of hypocrisy, citing the party’s earlier criticism of citizens who visited Matawalle in Abuja.
The APC has expressed confidence that the minister’s visit will be successful and has called on the PDP-led government to focus on addressing the state’s worsening insecurity. Idris criticized Governor Lawal for allegedly abandoning the state during crises, including traveling abroad for his son’s graduation while several communities in Zamfara were under attack.
The exchange between the two parties highlights the ongoing tensions in Zamfara State, where issues of governance and security have been major concerns. The APC has expressed its readiness to welcome Matawalle and anticipates that more PDP members will defect to the party. As the situation unfolds, the focus is likely to remain on the ability of the state government to address the pressing issues facing Zamfara, including insecurity and governance.