Matawalle Lauded as APC Secures Decisive Win in Zamfara By-election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is hailing the political prowess of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following the party’s impressive performance in the recent Kaura Namoda South State Constituency by-election. Though the election was ultimately declared inconclusive by INEC, the decisive lead secured by the APC has been widely credited to Matawalle’s strategic leadership and grassroots mobilization.

The by-election, held on Sunday, August 17, saw the APC candidate surge ahead with 7,001 votes, creating a comfortable lead over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who trailed with 5,339 votes. However, the final victory was put on hold after INEC’s Returning Officer, Professor Sa’adu Lawal, declared the election inconclusive. The decision was based on the cancellation of results from five polling units where the number of collected PVCs (3,265) was greater than the APC’s margin of lead (1,662). According to the Electoral Act 2022, this necessitated a supplementary election.

Despite the temporary delay, the mood within the APC in Zamfara is one of jubilation. Party stalwarts and supporters are crediting Matawalle for the strong showing. His return to the APC from the PDP in 2021 has been a significant boost for the party in the state. This performance in the by-election, even without a final win, is being seen as proof that his influence remains a powerful force in Zamfara politics.

The outcome of the by-election is a potential game-changer in the state’s political scene. The APC’s strong performance is seen as a sign of a political comeback, especially after the party lost the 2023 governorship election to the PDP. It sends a clear message that the party is well-positioned to challenge the current administration’s dominance in future elections. The PDP, on the other hand, is under pressure to close the gap in the forthcoming supplementary poll, which will be a major test of its own political machinery.

The praise for Matawalle is not just for securing a lead but for demonstrating a clear shift in political momentum. The focus now shifts to the supplementary election, which will serve as the final test of both parties’ strength and a final verdict on Matawalle’s influence.