The Northern Patriots for Justice and Democracy (NPJD) has accused Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of waging a political war against President Bola Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. This comes amid growing calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, NPJD President Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gwandu claimed Governor Lawal withdrew ₦10 billion from local government accounts to fund propaganda. According to Gwandu, the campaign aims to shield the governor from federal scrutiny and create a false sense of stability.
“We have credible intelligence that Governor Dauda Lawal took over ₦10 billion from Zamfara’s local government accounts. He’s using it to run a media campaign, fund surrogate groups, and mislead both local and global audiences,” Gwandu stated.
Gwandu said the governor’s strategy includes sponsoring fake civil society organisations to smear Matawalle. These groups allegedly fabricate petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to frame the former governor.
“They are trying to portray Matawalle as corrupt, when in fact, his alignment with Tinubu and his tough stance on insecurity made him a target,” he said.
Gwandu accused Governor Lawal’s team of shifting blame for the crisis onto the federal government. He argued that Lawal’s administration mismanaged state resources and has little to show for nearly two years in power.
“There’s now a deliberate attempt to blame Tinubu for hunger and insecurity. But Zamfara’s own leadership has failed its people,” Gwandu asserted.
Zamfara has seen a surge in armed attacks, forcing thousands to flee their homes. The political landscape is also in disarray. Ten suspended lawmakers have formed a parallel assembly, creating two opposing factions within the legislature.
NPJD warned that the governor’s defiance could escalate tensions with the federal government.
“This governor says Zamfara is not like Rivers. But people are dying. Instead of cooperating with federal authorities, he’s provoking conflict,” Gwandu said.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
The group condemned the alleged use of public funds for political gain, calling it an abuse of power.
“The constitution doesn’t permit any governor to spend billions without public accountability. That money belongs to the people, not PR consultants and online influencers,” the statement read.
Gwandu said NPJD had submitted petitions to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He warned of mass protests if the federal government remains inactive.
“If nothing is done, civil society groups in the North will hit the streets in peaceful protest. We won’t stay silent,” he declared.
Call for Federal Action and Local Accountability
NPJD urged President Tinubu to remain firm and not be misled by what they described as a “stage-managed” calm in Zamfara.
“Tinubu has a duty to protect Nigerians. One man’s fear of oversight shouldn’t plunge Zamfara into chaos,” Gwandu said.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, elders, and religious leaders to speak out.
“Zamfara is bleeding. Its people need a government that puts them first. Silence now will make them complicit in this decay,” he warned.
