Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed optimism that Nigeria is nearing the end of its security challenges, assuring that President Bola Tinubu is not relenting in efforts to restore lasting peace across the country.
Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he formally received Governor Dauda Lawal and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on behalf of the President.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide, stating: “We pray for more unity and progress under President Bola Tinubu because our leader is working very hard to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria.”
The Vice President further assured that ongoing security concerns in Zamfara and other parts of the country would be addressed, noting that Governor Lawal’s defection to the APC would strengthen collective efforts to tackle insecurity.
Shettima also suggested that opposition parties may struggle to gain relevance in Zamfara, given the growing alignment of key political actors in the state.
Earlier, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said members of the National Assembly under the APC fully support Lawal’s defection.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between different levels of government, stating: “The solution lies in collaboration and teamwork. His joining the APC shows wisdom.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the development as historic, declaring that opposition presence in Zamfara had been significantly diminished.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, welcomed Lawal into the ruling party, describing the move as beneficial to the state.
“APC is a moving train, and we are happy that Zamfara has joined that train. All APC governors will support Governor Lawal to do more for the state,” he said.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the governor’s performance in office, citing ongoing infrastructural projects, including the construction of a new airport. He also presented the APC flag and broom to symbolise Lawal’s formal entry into the party.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to his predecessors, including the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, and Senator Abdulazeez Yari, for their support. He pledged to work towards the success of the APC and the development of Zamfara State.
“I will embrace all my predecessors, and I will work hard for the progress of Zamfara State,” he said.
Former governors Yari and Matawale also pledged their support for Lawal and President Tinubu ahead of future elections.
