The Zamfara State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a war of words over the planned visit of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to the state.
In a statement released in Gusau on Monday, APC State Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, said the PDP’s opposition to Matawalle’s visit reflected fear and confusion within the ruling party.
According to Idris, “The ruling PDP in Zamfara State is confused, disjointed, and afraid. At every turn, its members, including highly placed individuals and supporters, continue to leave the party due to its non-performance.”
He dismissed a statement credited to PDP spokesperson, Halliru Andi, who reportedly urged the minister to cancel his visit and remain at his duty post in Abuja. Idris maintained that Matawalle, as a federal appointee, has the constitutional right to visit any part of Nigeria, including his home state.
The APC spokesperson explained that the minister had previously operated from Sokoto State on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after Governor Dauda Lawal allegedly prevented him from carrying out official functions in Zamfara.
Idris stated that the minister’s planned visit may have unsettled the PDP but insisted that it would go ahead with the Presidency’s approval.
“As a citizen of Zamfara State and leader of the APC in the state, he has every right to visit his people, his party, and his supporters,” he said.
He also accused the PDP of hypocrisy, saying the party had earlier criticised citizens who visited Matawalle in Abuja and was now attempting to interfere again in his personal and political activities.
Idris said the APC was prepared to welcome the minister, expressing confidence that more PDP members would soon defect to the party.
He urged the PDP-led government to focus on governance, accusing Governor Lawal of neglecting the state amid rising insecurity.
Idris further alleged that the governor travelled abroad for his son’s graduation while several communities in Zamfara were under attack.
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