In a recent statement, former Zamfara State Governor and Minister for State Defence, Bello Matawalle claimed that the state received over ₦1 trillion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in the last two years of this current administration. However, this assertion has been firmly rebutted by ZamTracka, a public expenditure tracking organisation dedicated to promoting transparency in government spending.
According to ZamTracka’s comprehensive analysis of financial records, Zamfara State received a total of approximately ₦776.6 billion in FAAC allocations from 2019 to September 2025. This figure casts significant doubt on Matawalle’s claim, particularly when broken down into the respective periods of leadership.
During his four-year tenure from 2019 to 2023, former Governor Matawalle’s administration collected more than ₦400 billion in FAAC disbursements. In contrast, the current administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal has received slightly over ₦350 billion during its first two years in office.
This financial data has sparked a vigorous debate regarding fiscal responsibility, public accountability, and the tangible outcomes of governance in Zamfara. Economists and analysts emphasize the changing economic landscape, noting that the ₦400 billion accrued under Matawalle’s administration possessed a significantly greater purchasing power at the time, which was estimated to be worth over $571 million when the exchange rate was around ₦700 to the dollar.
In today’s economic climate, with the exchange rate hovering around ₦1,500 to the dollar, that same financial value would translate to nearly ₦856.5 billion. This shift underlines the rising costs associated with implementing infrastructure projects; for instance, a ₦1 billion project during Matawalle’s tenure could now exceed ₦3 billion due to inflation and increased material costs.
Despite the substantial financial inflow during Matawalle’s administration, critics have raised concerns regarding the visibility and impact of significant projects completed with these funds, particularly within the state capital, Gusau. Many citizens have expressed frustration at the apparent lack of transformative developments, questioning whether the allocations translated into meaningful improvements in public services and infrastructure.
On the other hand, supporters of the current government stress the achievements made despite working with an allocation that, when adjusted for the older exchange rate, would amount to approximately ₦163.1 billion. They argue that the current administration has demonstrated resilience and effective governance strategies, producing outcomes that reflect prudent resource management under challenging economic conditions.
This ongoing dispute underscores an increasing demand for transparency and accountability amongst the citizenry, especially as financial data becomes more accessible through various platforms. As the debate rages on, efforts to obtain comments from representatives of former Governor Matawalle regarding the ZamTracka findings have not yielded results thus far, leaving the discussion centered on the implications of these financial discrepancies.
Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.
Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.
He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.
In a communiqué read by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Bello Matawalle, himself a former governor, the stakeholders declared their full support for President Tinubu and Governor Lawal. The communiqué also covered discussions on party unity, governance coordination, security challenges, and preparations for the 2027 elections.
All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.
Politics in Bauchi State may never remain the same again after Yusuf Maitama Tuggar officially declared his intention to contest for the top job in the state. What many expected to be an ordinary political gathering quickly transformed into a historic show of strength, popularity and mass acceptance as thousands of supporters thronged the venue in the state capital to witness the moment many believe signals a new chapter for Bauchi politics.
From the early hours of the day, roads leading to the Eid Prayer Ground, venue of the declaration was filled with enthusiastic supporters, youth groups, women associations, traditional loyalists and political stakeholders who came from different parts of the state to identify with the man many now describe as the bridge between experience, competence and modern leadership. The atmosphere was electric. Chants of solidarity songs rented the air while banners, posters and colourful attires bearing Tuggar’s image painted the city in festive colours.
For observers of Bauchi politics, the declaration was more than just another campaign launch—it was a statement. It was a loud signal that Tuggar remains one of the most formidable political figures in the state today. The sheer size of the crowd and the organic enthusiasm displayed by supporters suggested that his political relevance has only grown stronger over time.
Known for his calm intellect, diplomatic reach and strategic thinking, Tuggar has built a reputation that stretches beyond Bauchi and Nigeria. His years in public service, particularly at the national level, have positioned him as a politician with global exposure and local understanding. Supporters believe these qualities make him uniquely qualified to steer Bauchi into a new era of prosperity, investment and inclusive governance.
At the venue, speakers after speakers extolled his leadership qualities, describing him as a son of the soil who has remained connected to his roots despite his national and international engagements. Many praised his accessibility, humility and commitment to youth development, while others insisted that Bauchi needs a leader with vision, networks and the courage to make bold decisions.
During his speech the former Foreign Affairs Minister said he presented himself not merely as a candidate, but as a humble servant committed to the progress and prosperity of the good people of Bauchi State. With the vision to anchor on strengthening agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security, while ensuring the prompt and consistent payment of salaries and gratuities to preserve the dignity and welfare of our civil servants.
‘’I am dedicated to advancing youth and women empowerment through sustainable opportunities that foster inclusion, productivity, and self-reliance. My agenda also prioritizes comprehensive infrastructural development to support economic activities and improve the quality of life across the state.
Furthermore, I am committed to delivering accessible and high-quality education and healthcare systems that meet the needs of our people, alongside promoting innovation and ICT development as tools for modernization and global competitiveness. Above all, my mission is centered on improving the overall well-being of every citizen of Bauchi State through responsive, people-oriented governance’’ He stated.
Political analysts say the declaration instantly changes the arithmetic of the Bauchi governorship race. With one appearance, Tuggar has injected momentum, excitement and renewed competition into the contest. Rivals, many believe, can no longer ignore the strength he commands or the growing movement around his candidacy.
As the sun set on the colourful gathering, one message rang clear across the state capital: Tuggar is not merely testing the waters—he has entered the race with force, structure and undeniable public goodwill.