By Isa Seidu
The peace move gradually emerging from the heart of Zamfara State between the incumbent Governor of the State, Governor Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, the present Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, is a rare demonstration of His Excellency Dr. Bello Matawalle’s political sagacity, peaceful disposition, and preference for the progress and well-being of the people of Zamfara State. It remains a decisive game changer for national politics while reflecting his loyalty and unreserved commitment to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Certainly, Dr. Matawalle has proven through this singular action and his willingness to jettison his gubernatorial ambition for the peace pact that nothing on earth is enough to outweigh his loyalty to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he holds in the highest esteem and regards not only as a political mentor but also as a father figure worthy of any level of sacrifice.
Recently, Dr. Matawalle, in a show of solidarity and party loyalty, and out of his deep and passionate respect for President Asiwaju, decided to enter into a pact with Governor Dauda Lawal and also publicly dropped his 2027 governorship ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move underscores Dr. Matawalle’s unflinching loyalty, love and respect for President Asiwaju, his belief in the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his prioritization of the unity and consolidation of the party above every other consideration.
Dr. Matawalle’s willing acceptance also represents his commitment to the stabilization of the party, the state and the nation, as well as a strategic realignment towards harnessing all that is necessary to consolidate the gains of the present administration and ensure its continuity in power both at the state and national levels ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dr. Matawalle has proven that, unlike many other Nigerian politicians, he possesses a rare quality of political maturity, sagacity, selflessness, and party loyalty. In a country where personal political ambition often overrides national priority, national development, political party structural cohesion and loyalty, Dr. Matawalle has proved beyond all reasonable doubt that there still exist a minority of morally strong and selfless individuals who are willing and ready to make necessary sacrifices for the greater good.
While notable figures within and outside Zamfara State, including the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, have lauded the sacrifice of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence as rare, it is believed that this singular action will foster unity both in the state and within the APC, as well as improve grassroots mobilization. Dr. Matawalle has redefined the positive trajectory of the nation’s political space and has deepened political discourse, good governance, and the enhancement of tangible, people-based development and progress in a collaborative atmosphere devoid of rancour and egocentrism.
Already, positive feelers from the state indicate a progressively stable political ambience, improved governance and security, and a positive realignment of viable political forces and stakeholders aimed at ensuring positive outcomes that will lead to the landslide victory of the APC in all elections, not just in Zamfara State but across the entire North West regional bloc.
There is certainly no doubt that Alhaji Matawalle considers this success a greater good than his personal political ambition of becoming governor again, and he is determined and convinced to make all necessary sacrifices towards ensuring that this happens.
Moreover, the prioritization of President Asiwaju’s goals and aspirations, coupled with the strength of a united winning party, surely stands Dr. Matawalle as a grand hero of democracy, an exceptional fellow, a rare democrat, a time-tested and faithful party man, and an unwavering disciple of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is ready to put everything aside for his success.
This recent unification of purpose remains a redefinition of party loyalty and a clear evidence of the demonstration of sincerity of purpose and commitment, as well as proof of single-mindedness and strong belief in President Asiwaju. Indeed, Dr. Bello Matawalle has remained a consistently faithful party man as well as an ardent disciple of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He has remained upbeat and faithful to his conviction of the doctrine of loyalty and selflessness, and a beacon of inspiration to many and a pillar of unbeatable pace for several years of democracy to come.
Dr. Bello Matawalle, through the peace pact, remains an avowal of the cherished spirit of democratic commitment and unwavering faithfulness, further resonating what it means to approach politics selflessly and be willing to make the highest form of sacrifice as a disciple of the political doctrine of selflessness.
Seidu writes from Kaduna
