EXPOSED : Why Gov. Dauda Lawal and Sen. Kabiru Marafa Are Championing a Campaign of Calumny Against Bello Matawalle
EXPOSED : Why Gov. Dauda Lawal and Sen. Kabiru Marafa Are Championing a Campaign of Calumny Against Bello Matawalle
Fresh tensions are unfolding within Zamfara’s political landscape as Governor Dauda Lawal and Senator Kabiru Marafa intensify efforts to undermine the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle. Despite months of behind the scenes lobbying and strategic propaganda, their campaign appears to be hitting a firm wall one reinforced by the good people of Zamfara state and the Presidency itself.
According to multiple sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), apart from the alleged order by a retired General in the state who Mandated the unending smear campaign against the State Defence Minister, noting that his rising popularity is becoming worrisome especially following the mammoth crowd that gathered to welcome him in Zamfara two weeks ago, both Marafa and Governor Dauda have been working tirelessly to push for Matawalle’s removal from the Federal Executive Council. Yet, the efforts have reportedly yielded insignificant progress.
The Presidency, insiders say, has refused to entertain their petitions largely because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regards Matawalle as a steadfast loyalist whose contributions in the ongoing war against terrorism and banditry remains immeasurable.
“The President has not given any listening ear to their agitations,” a senior APC figure revealed. “Matawalle is firm, outspoken, loyal, and has just launched a national movement “Asiwaju Mandate Defenders 2027”, a combination that makes their political operation very difficult.”
This firm backing from the Presidency has left Marafa and Lawal increasingly frustrated, particularly as they had expected their political maneuvering to gain more traction. In an attempt to bolster his influence, Governor Dauda Lawal has reportedly been reaching out to progressive governors across the country, hoping to build a coalition that can pressure the President into reviewing Matawalle’s position. However, the strategy has so far produced no meaningful results.
Insiders say the President know Matawalle so well has remained unmoved, signalling that factional pressure within the APC collapses when confronted with loyalty, federal performance, and public perception.
Beyond the political rivalry, Senator Kabiru Marafa’s hostility toward Matawalle has deeper roots. Their rift dates back to Matawalle’s tenure as governor, when Marafa’s brother who holds a traditional stool was widely criticised by Zamfarans and later suspended by the state government for turbaning a notorious bandit Leader, Adamu Aleiru, as Sarkin Fulani of Yandoton Daji. Marafa viewed the sanction as a direct affront to his family, igniting a personal feud that has only intensified over the years.
Compounding the political tension are growing criticisms directed at Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration. Many Zamfara indigenes have accused the state government of failing to curb the worsening insecurity and, in some narratives, of being complicit in the crisis.
Some citizens argue that Zamfara under Matawalle, just three years ago, enjoyed relatively more stability and peace, citing his engagement with local security architecture and collaboration with federal agencies.
Amid these accusations and political maneuverings, Matawalle continues to maintain strong support and acceptance across Zamfara State.
Matawalle’s refusal to dance to the tune of minority political actors, while aligning himself with the broader interests of the Majority of Zamfara people, has strengthened his reputation. Rather than engage in political mudslinging, he has remained focused on his national duties, earning recognition for his contributions to the country’s defence efforts.
As the 2027 political cycle approaches, the unresolved tensions among Zamfara’s power blocs are expected to shape the state’s political realignment.
Governor Dauda Lawal faces increasing obstacles in consolidating power, Senator Marafa remains driven by longstanding grievances, and Matawalle’s influence continues to rise at both state and national levels.
Their clash underscores a defining moment in Zamfara’s political journey, one that may ultimately determine who controls the future of the state and which factions maintain relevance within the APC.
