From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau
The Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), Sanusi Rikiji, has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Zamfara State as a historic turning point capable of fostering unity and accelerating development.
Rikiji, a former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, spoke with journalists at the meeting held at the Government House in Gusau over the weekend.
The meeting, convened under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, brought together key party stakeholders, including former governors, members of the National and State Assemblies, elders, youths and women representatives from across the 14 local government areas.
Participants at the gathering unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lawal for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders also deliberated on party unity, governance alignment, security challenges and preparations for forthcoming party congresses.
Rikiji commended Lawal for convening what he described as the first meeting of its kind in the state, noting that it signalled a rare show of unity among political leaders.
“This is a historic event and a welcome development for the people of Zamfara. For the first time in decades, leaders across political divides have come together with a shared vision,” he said.
He highlighted the presence of prominent figures, including former governors Ahmad Sani Yarima, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, and Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, as well as the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
According to him, the convergence of key actors after years of political divisions reflects a renewed commitment to collective progress.
“This is the first time in nearly three decades since Zamfara’s creation that major political actors across factions have united on a common platform. It marks a shift from division to collective action,” Rikiji added.
He urged party members to sustain the momentum, stressing that unity remains critical to political success and socio-economic development.
Reaffirming the stakeholders’ position, Rikiji said the APC in Zamfara had resolved to rally behind Tinubu and Lawal, expressing confidence in their leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.
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