The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its recent call for a state of emergency in the state.
In a press statement released on Sunday, the PDP dismissed the demand made by the factional APC leaders, former Governor Bello Matawalle and Senator Abdulaziz Yari, calling it “baseless and disrespectful” to the people of Zamfara.
According to the PDP, the call for a state of emergency is a political tactic intended to undermine Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration, which has made strides in addressing insecurity and developmental issues in the state.
The PDP described the APC’s move as a sign of fear in the face of the Governor’s performance, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer.
“The APC’s claims are unfounded and reflect their desperation to salvage their political careers,” said Halliru Andi, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary. He accused the APC of attempting to distract from the failures of their own administrations, particularly those under former Governor Matawalle, who the PDP claims had a controversial approach to dealing with banditry.
The statement highlighted the former APC government’s alleged complicity with criminal elements, accusing Matawalle of providing vehicles and financial support to bandits. These actions, according to the PDP, worsened the state’s security situation, with criminals gaining unprecedented access to government resources and authority.
In contrast, the PDP praised Governor Lawal’s leadership, noting his efforts to reform security in the state. The establishment of Community Protection Guards (CPG) and the creation of a Security Trust Fund were highlighted as key initiatives aimed at supporting security forces. The administration also pointed to recent distribution of vehicles to security agencies as evidence of its commitment to fighting banditry.
“The APC politicized insecurity, while Governor Lawal has taken a principled stand against negotiating with criminals,” the PDP asserted, noting that Lawal’s approach has yielded early successes in reducing attacks.
The PDP also called out former Governor Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defense, for secret negotiations with bandits without the current administration’s knowledge. The party accused Matawalle of falsely claiming that Governor Lawal approved over a billion naira for reconciliation efforts, a claim they say was fabricated.
In its closing remarks, the PDP urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Matawalle from his ministerial post, citing his alleged incompetence and questionable relationships with bandit leaders as serious concerns for national security.
The statement concludes with a plea for the APC to focus on constructive solutions for the state’s challenges instead of making “desperate propaganda” against the PDP administration. Governor Lawal, the party emphasized, remains committed to transforming Zamfara and ensuring lasting peace.
