The Zamfara State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have entered 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” of the visit, which the PDP opposes. APC State Publicity Secretary Malam Yusuf Idris said the PDP’s resistance signals worry and instability within the party and warned that defections are rising because of its perceived non‑performance.
Idris dismissed a statement by PDP spokesperson Halliru Andi, who urged Matawalle to cancel the trip and remain in Abuja, arguing that the minister has a constitutional right to travel anywhere in Nigeria, including his home state. Matawalle had previously been operating from Sokoto State on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive after Governor Dauda Lawal allegedly blocked his activities in Zamfara. Despite the PDP’s objections, the APC spokesperson affirmed that the visit will proceed with presidential approval.
The APC accused the PDP of hypocrisy, noting that the party had earlier criticized citizens who visited Matawalle in Abuja. It expressed confidence that the minister’s visit will be successful and called on the PDP‑led state government to focus on Zamfara’s worsening insecurity. Idris also criticized Governor Lawal for allegedly abandoning the state during crises, citing his travel abroad for his son’s graduation while several communities were under attack.
The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions in Zamfara, where governance and security remain major concerns. The APC says it is ready to welcome Matawalle and expects more PDP members to defect to its ranks. As events unfold, attention will likely stay on the state government’s ability to address Zamfara’s pressing issues, particularly insecurity and governance.
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