In a statement signed by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Halliru Andi, the party described the APC’s allegation as “funny and absurd,” noting that no evidence supports the trillion-naira claim. The PDP suggested the demand is a retaliatory move following APC’s defeat in the 2023 gubernatorial election, which saw Governor Lawal emerge victorious.
PDP Shifts Focus to Matawalle’s Alleged Corruption
Instead of scrutinizing Governor Lawal, the PDP challenged the APC to address corruption allegations against its own member, Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence. Matawalle, a former Zamfara governor, is accused of diverting ₦70 billion from state coffers during his tenure. Additionally, he faces a court case for allegedly misappropriating over 40 luxury vehicles worth ₦2 billion.
“We urge the APC to provide verifiable records of the ₦1 trillion they claim was given to Governor Lawal,” the statement read. “More importantly, they should first ask Matawalle to account for the funds he received and mismanaged while in office.”
The exchange highlights deepening political tensions in Zamfara, with the PDP framing the APC’s accusations as a distraction from its own internal accountability issues. Meanwhile, the APC has yet to respond to the PDP’s counterclaims.
Analysts suggest the controversy reflects broader struggles between the two parties, with the PDP leveraging Matawalle’s legal troubles to deflect criticism of Governor Lawal’s administration.
Public reaction remains divided, with some citizens calling for transparency from both sides, while others view the clash as typical political maneuvering ahead of future elections.
Governor Dauda Lawal, elected in 2023, has positioned himself as a reformer, though his administration now faces intensified scrutiny from the opposition. Bello Matawalle’s ongoing legal battles continue to shadow the APC’s credibility in the state.