By Bashir Aliyu
Abuja, Nigeria – Prominent philanthropist and political strategist Hajiya Fadima Ibrahim has strongly condemned Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal over his recent claim that he could “still defeat Bello Matawalle even by 10 AM on election day.”
In a sharp rebuke, Ibrahim described Lawal’s statement as “an unnecessary provocation” and an attempt to “divert public attention from his administration’s failure to prioritize the welfare of Zamfara’s people.”
Governor Lawal, who defeated former Governor Bello Matawalle in the 2023 elections, made the remarks during an interview with Channel TV on Wednesday, boasting about his electoral strength. However, critics, including Fadima Ibrahim, argue that such comments are unbecoming of a sitting governor, especially amid rising insecurity and economic hardship in Zamfara.
In an interview with Daily Review on Thursday, 10 July 2025, Hajiya Fadima dismissed Lawal’s remarks as “cheap political grandstanding” aimed at masking governance failures.
“Instead of focusing on delivering good governance, Governor Lawal is busy making empty boasts about elections that are long over,” she said. “This is nothing but a desperate attempt to attract fake publicity while Zamfara’s people suffer from insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure.”
She further accused the governor of neglecting his primary responsibilities, stating, “When leaders spend more time talking about their opponents than addressing the needs of their people, it shows a clear lack of priorities.”
Hajiya Fadima Ibrahim, a Kano-based philanthropist and a staunch ally of former Governor Matawalle, urged Lawal to focus on governance rather than political rhetoric that will not augur well for his image given the serious insecurity challenges facing the state.
“The people of Zamfara deserve a leader who is committed to solving their problems, not one who engages in petty political battles,” she emphasized.
The governor’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with supporters defending his right to speak on political matters while opponents, like Fadima Ibrahim, argue that his comments reflect misplaced priorities.
As tensions rise, political observers suggest that Lawal’s administration may face increased scrutiny over its handling of Zamfara’s challenges, particularly security and economic recovery.
With Hajiya Fadima Ibrahim’s condemnation adding to growing criticism, Governor Lawal now faces mounting pressure to address governance concerns rather than engage in verbal confrontations. Whether this controversy will impact his political standing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Zamfara’s citizens expect tangible results, not political theatrics.
