‘He’s a resourceful leader’ — APC chieftain backs Dauda Lawal for re-election

Sani Shinkafi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has endorsed Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, for a second term in office.

In a statement on Monday, Shinkafi said Lawal, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is prioritising infrastructure and development of rural areas in the state.

Shinkafi also dismissed reports that the Lawal-led administration borrowed N34 billion for various projects across the state.

He said there was no evidence that the governor obtained a loan from any bank, describing the reports as an attempt to distract Lawal from his “rescue mission agenda of total transformation” of Zamfara.

Shinkafi, a former national secretary of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), said the governor’s infrastructural drive has repositioned the state for economic growth and prosperity.

“Gusau now looks like a state capital, a departure from its rural features since it was created by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime on 1st October 1996,” the statement reads.

“The construction and rehabilitation of township roads, along with the Gusau International Cargo Airport nearing completion, have turned Zamfara State from an agricultural to a commercial hub of the North West region in barely two years of Dauda Lawal’s administration.

“The simultaneous development of the state capital, Gusau, and the 14 local government areas, turning the entire Zamfara State into a project site, is a testament to progressive, visionary, purposeful and resourceful leadership. It is democracy in action.

“Citizens have started reaping the fruits of democracy with improved healthcare — the upgrade of all the government owned general hospitals in Zamfara State with state of art equipment, reform of the civil service, construction and furnishings of 500 schools, payment of NECO, WAEC and NABTEB examination fees for students, upgrade of the State University and acquisition of Islamic University at Shinkafi in Shinkafi Local Government area constructed by a former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa in the North West, construction and rehabilitation of markets, motor parks and purchase of 50 buses for Zamfara State Transport Authority to ease interstate transportation, construction of Emir Palaces across the Emirates in the state, procurement of 200  vehicles for security agencies to fight criminal elements etc effectively.

“Indeed, Zamfara State has never had it so good, an eloquent testimony of pragmatic, innovative and compassionate leadership aimed at touching lives.

“Accordingly, I urge political gladiators in the state to support Governor Lawal in his unwavering commitment to fostering peace, unity, development and prosperity. It is time to build a better Zamfara State.

“From his achievements so far and in the interest of justice, equity and unity, the 2027 governorship slot again should go to Zamfara Central Senatorial District, where Lawal hails from, to enable him to complete his two terms in office, being the first governor from the zone since the inception of the current democracy in 1999. I endorse him accordingly.

“No doubt, with improved security, resumption of farming, commercial activities, studies in areas once affected by bandit attacks, social amenities and infrastructural development, Zamfara State is on the right path to greatness and prosperity. The good people of Zamfara State now have the leader they craved for and deserve.”

Shinkafi, the executive director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, was a vocal critic of Lawal until recently.

The politician is an ally of Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence and former governor of Zamfara.

Shinkafi was the chairman of the committee for the prosecution of armed banditry and related offences during Matawalle’s administration.