According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as political preparations gather pace nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections, the race for the Zamfara State governorship is steadily intensifying.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releasing its timetable, aspirants have begun consultations and grassroots mobilization across party lines.
In Zamfara, the unfolding contest is already creating tension among key political actors, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC), while speculation persists over Governor Dauda Lawal’s possible defection.
Within the APC, no fewer than five aspirants are reportedly eyeing the governorship ticket. However, three figures appear to be leading the pack: Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Muktar Shehu Idris, and Abdulmalik Zubairu.
Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence and former governor of the state, is widely seen as a formidable contender.
Having previously governed Zamfara, he is regarded as experienced and politically structured. Reports indicate he has been consulting extensively since 2025, engaging party stakeholders at state and national levels.
His relationship with former governor and senator, Abdulaziz Yari, is believed to strengthen his prospects. Nonetheless, critics argue that his previous tenure was marked by unpaid salaries and stalled projects, issues they say could resurface during campaigns.
Muktar Shehu Idris, who briefly held the governorship before a Supreme Court ruling nullified his victory in 2019, is also considered a serious contender.
A close ally of Senator Yari, he benefits from an established political structure. Supporters describe him as educated and financially prudent. However, detractors view him as reserved and overly dependent on Yari’s influence, questioning his decisiveness and visibility since the 2019 judgment.
Abdulmalik Zubairu, a serving member of the House of Representatives, is regarded as a grassroots mobilizer with strong youth support.
His recent role in delivering electoral victories for the APC has boosted his profile. Still, critics see him as another loyalist who may not act independently of Yari.
Despite its strong presence, the APC in Zamfara remains divided into multiple factions, a situation reminiscent of past internal disputes that cost the party power. Party leaders insist unity will prevail and that a consensus candidate will emerge.
Meanwhile, rumors of Governor Lawal’s possible move to the APC could significantly reshape the political equation, though party officials maintain that no aspirant would receive an automatic ticket.See_More…