Bello Matawalle, a former Zamfara governor and current Minister of State for Defence, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in an early opinion poll assessing potential candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Zamfara State.
The online survey, conducted by northern research group Arewa Trend, showed that 87 percent of respondents would prefer Matawalle to return as governor, while incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled just 13 percent.
Arewa Trend said the poll, carried out between June 15 and 30, drew over 40,570 voluntary responses from active internet users across Zamfara’s 14 local government areas, including young voters, professionals, students, and civil servants. The survey, though not nationally representative, gives early insight into the mood of electorate in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the research group said voters overwhelmingly rated Matawalle higher on key governance metrics such as security coordination, infrastructure development, and federal presence during his first term in office between 2019 and 2023.
“Respondents described Matawalle’s administration as more stable and pragmatic, especially in managing federal security collaborations, initiating road projects, and supporting local councils,” Arewa Trend said. “In contrast, many cited growing frustration with the current administration’s inability to contain rising insecurity or offer a clear economic development agenda.”
The survey’s findings highlight a significant perception gap between Matawalle’s tenure and Governor Lawal’s ongoing administration, which respondents say has been marred by deepening insecurity and limited economic progress.
According to the report, 71 percent of respondents said security conditions in Zamfara have worsened since Governor Lawal assumed office in 2023. Several participants pointed to the frequency of bandit attacks, mass kidnappings, and road ambushes — particularly in Zamfara North and parts of the central zone — as key evidence of the administration’s underperformance.
Meanwhile, 62 percent of respondents said the local economy has either stagnated or declined, citing inflation, low access to credit, and the state’s inability to attract new investment as major concerns.
By contrast, Matawalle’s time in office was credited with fostering stronger ties with federal agencies, initiating road rehabilitation projects, and providing visible interventions in education and health.
Only 13 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with Lawal’s performance so far, while 83 percent said the governor has not lived up to expectations.
Arewa Trend noted that while online opinion polls may not fully capture offline voter sentiment, the results offer “a snapshot of the political mood among informed and digitally active citizens”.
Matawalle, who is yet to formally declare for the 2027 race, has seen his political profile rise in recent months following his appointment as a cabinet minister and his increased presence in the northwest’s security engagements.
The poll adds to growing speculation that the former governor may be preparing for a comeback bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could set the stage for a fierce rematch in the state.
Arewa Trend said it plans to conduct a follow-up survey next year to track changes in public perception ahead of the party primaries.
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