Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, met with 85 Zamfara State candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly who did not pass the party’s vetting process.
It is understood that the meeting took place in Matawalle’s home in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
It was called as part of the APC’s efforts to bring people together in advance of the national elections in 2027.
Despite the results of the screening process, Matawalle advised the candidates to maintain their composure, unity, and dedication to the party’s advancement.
He gave them the assurance that their problems were being addressed and that their objections had not been disregarded.
He claims that the APC is still a party that believes in justice, fairness, and equal opportunity for all of its members.
In response to the concerns expressed by the candidates, Matawalle stated that the National Working Committee of the party was already examining complaints filed by members who felt wronged.
He urged the candidates to be patient and let the party leadership finish the procedure.
Internal disputes shouldn’t be let to damage the APC in the state, according to the former governor of Zamfara State, particularly as the 2027 election preparations gain traction.
He pointed out that the party’s success will depend on member unity.
The candidates, led by Sulaiman Shu’aibu Shinkafi, thanked Matawalle for their meeting.
They characterized his participation as an indication of his leadership and dedication to maintaining harmony within the party.
Additionally, the group praised the minister for what they described as his efforts to foster unity among APC members in Zamfara State.
In response, Matawalle praised the candidates for their behavior and determination to stick with the party in spite of their complaints.
He said that their maturity and solidarity were inspiring.
The minister claimed that their willingness to contribute to the APC’s victory demonstrated that they prioritized the party’s goals over their own disappointment.
Additionally, Matawalle stated that the Federal Government was stepping up its efforts to combat insecurity across the nation.
He especially listed banditry in the North-West and insurgency in the North-East as significant security issues that need to be addressed.
According to the minister, the administration is still dedicated to bringing stability and peace back to the impacted areas.
The gathering was a component of continuing discussions meant to improve internal unity within the APC in Zamfara State.
Former Zamfara State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Ahmad Anka, former Speakers of the Zamfara State House of Assembly Bature Umar Sambo and Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, APC State Secretary Ibrahim Maigandi, and APC Auditor Yusuf Idris Gusau were also in attendance.
The gathering was also attended by other party stakeholders.
