Fresh efforts by Senator Kabiru Marafa and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to secure the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have reportedly stalled, as the Presidency continues to reject their calls despite intense lobbying.
Multiple APC insiders say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained firm, describing Matawalle as a loyal ally whose service and commitment to national security have been consistent. This loyalty, they say, is a major reason the Presidency has refused to entertain the growing pressure from Marafa and Governor Lawal.
The long-running political rift between Marafa and Matawalle dates back to Matawalle’s tenure as governor, when he suspended Marafa’s brother — a traditional ruler — for controversially turbaning a notorious bandit, Adamu Aleiru, as Sarkin Fulani of Yandoton Daji. The incident drew widespread condemnation across the state and marked the beginning of deep animosity between the two political figures.
Despite attacks from political opponents, associates of the Defence Minister insist that Matawalle has consistently aligned himself with the majority of Zamfara citizens who seek stability, rather than yielding to what they describe as the “manipulative demands of minority political leaders.”
Insiders further reveal that Governor Lawal has been reaching out to progressive governors nationwide, lobbying them to persuade the Presidency.
“He is trying to build a chorus of voices to influence the President,” a top source disclosed. “But so far, nothing has worked — the President remains firm.”
Meanwhile, the political tension has revived conversations about security in Zamfara. Several residents have openly accused the current administration of Governor Dauda Lawal of failing to manage the escalating insecurity, with some alleging complicity in the deepening crisis. Many point out that Zamfara under Matawalle’s leadership — just three years ago — experienced relative peace compared to the current wave of attacks, abductions, and banditry.
Political analysts say the ongoing impasse highlights the limits of factional warfare within the APC and underscores the weight President Tinubu places on loyalty and proven track records. Attempts to frame Matawalle as a liability have fallen flat, leaving Marafa and Lawal to rethink strategy ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
Observers warn that the fallout could significantly influence Zamfara’s political alignment, deepening existing divides and shaping which factions gain influence both in the state and at the national level.
