From a young age, Muhammad Bello Matawalle was raised under the careful guidance of his parents, learning the values of discipline, humility, and perseverance. However, tragedy struck early in his life—his father passed away when he was just six years old. This loss placed great responsibility on his mother, Hajiya Safiya, who became his pillar of strength, ensuring that he received proper upbringing, education, and moral guidance
Despite the challenges of losing his father at a tender age, Bello demonstrated exceptional resilience and an unyielding determination to succeed. He was known for his obedience, deep respect for elders, and strong work ethic. From childhood, he displayed qualities that set him apart—courage, ambition, and an eagerness to take on challenges. Those who knew him as a young boy recall his fearlessness, intelligence, and relentless pursuit of excellence in all that he did.
His formative years were marked by a deep sense of purpose and leadership, traits that would later define his journey to public service and governance. The values of perseverance, service, and compassion that he absorbed in his youth became the guiding principles of his political career, shaping him into the leader he is today.
Education is the foundation of personal and professional success, and like many in the Hausa community, Hon. (Dr.) Bello Muhammad Matawalle began his educational journey with religious studies before progressing to formal secular education. This approach reflects the traditional emphasis on Islamic knowledge as the bedrock of moral and ethical development before engaging in contemporary academic learning.
Governor Bello Matawalle was fortunate to receive a balanced education, blending both Islamic teachings and modern knowledge, which equipped him with intellectual depth, leadership qualities, and a sense of duty to society. His educational pursuit took him across Nigeria and beyond, where he acquired knowledge and skills that would later shape his career in governance and public administration.
His academic journey began in 1976, spanning various institutions:
After completing his education, Bello Matawalle embarked on a career in public service, demonstrating a passion for nation-building and governance. Between 1990 and 1994, he worked in various government roles before voluntarily resigning to pursue business and politics.
His career began at the Ministry of Water Resources in the former Sokoto State, where he gained hands-on experience in administrative and resource management. However, his passion for knowledge led him to a teaching career, where he played a vital role in shaping young minds across various institutions:
Subsequently, Bello Matawalle was appointed to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, where he continued to serve until 1994. With a growing vision for leadership and governance, he voluntarily resigned from his government position to pursue a career in politics, believing that he could make an even greater impact through policymaking and public administration.
This phase of his life underscores his multifaceted experiences in education, governance, and leadership, providing him with the expertise and resilience necessary for political leadership. His diverse background in teaching, administration, and resource management became the stepping stones for his future role as a statesman and Governor of Zamfara State.
His journey into politics began during the turbulent years of military rule in Nigeria, particularly under General Sani Abacha’s regime. In 1996, as Nigeria moved toward a transition into multi-party democracy during the Third Republic, Matawalle aligned himself with the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives. His victory marked his first major step into national politics.
However, the sudden death of General Abacha in 1998 disrupted the political process, as his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, dissolved all existing political parties and reset the democratic transition process. This setback put Matawalle’s political ambitions on hold, as it did for many aspiring politicians of the time.
Despite this challenge, his political resolve remained unshaken. As democracy was restored in 1999 with the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Matawalle actively worked to rebuild his political career, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to public service.
Steady Rise in Politics: From State Government to the National Assembly
Matawalle’s political resurgence was marked by his appointment as a Commissioner in Zamfara State under Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima’s administration (1999–2003). In this role, he served in several strategic ministries, including:
His tenure as commissioner deepened his experience in governance and administration, earning him recognition as a competent leader capable of driving development. This exposure paved the way for his election to the House of Representatives in 2003, where he represented the Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Matawalle’s performance in the National Assembly was exemplary, as he actively championed legislative motions, policy initiatives, and constituency development projects that directly impacted his people. His dedication to governance saw him re-elected in 2007 under ANPP and later, in 2011, under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), following his decision to switch political allegiance.
By the early 2000s, Hon. Bello Matawalle had cemented his reputation as a respected political figure in Maradun and Bakura. As the 2003 general elections approached, there was growing dissatisfaction with the incumbent representative from the PDP, prompting the electorate to seek fresh leadership in the National Assembly. Given his influence and grassroots appeal, Matawalle emerged as the people's preferred candidate.
Committee Participation: Leading by Example
His exceptional leadership as a commissioner refined his governance skills and positioned him as a transformative leader with the capacity to drive progress. This growing reputation propelled him to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2003, where he emerged victorious, representing Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Running under the APP, Matawalle secured his party’s ticket and launched an energetic campaign that resonated with the electorate. His message of progress, inclusivity, and accountable leadership won widespread support, leading to his victory in the 2003 elections. His triumph, along with that of other APP candidates, signaled a significant political shift in Zamfara State.
His legislative journey was marked by consistency, resilience, and an solid commitment to public service—qualities that would later define his larger political career.
Matawalle’s performance in the House of Representatives was marked by legislative excellence, community-driven initiatives, and a strong advocacy for national development. Recognizing his leadership qualities, his constituents re-elected him in 2007 under the ANPP (All Nigeria Peoples Party) and again in 2011 under the PDP, following his strategic political realignment. Throughout his tenure, Matawalle remained a champion of the people, playing a critical role in shaping national policies and promoting grassroots development.
Transition to the National Assembly Matawalle’s exemplary leadership as a Commissioner positioned him as a visionary leader capable of driving change on a larger scale. In 2003, he contested for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). His campaign was anchored on his track record of service, and he won the election, marking the beginning of his impactful legislative career.
As the 2019 general elections approached, the political landscape in Zamfara State saw renewed calls for Matawalle to re-enter the governorship race. His resilience, political acumen, and solid loyalty to the PDP had endeared him to many party loyalists and citizens alike. Recognizing his dedication and the need for a strong candidate to reclaim Zamfara for the PDP, the party leadership awarded Matawalle its gubernatorial ticket. His candidacy was met with widespread enthusiasm and rekindled hope among PDP supporters, positioning him as a formidable contender in the 2019 elections.
Matawalle’s governorship campaign was driven by a clear vision aimed at addressing Zamfara’s most pressing challenges. He presented a detailed blueprint to transform the state through strategic policies in education, agriculture, healthcare, security, infrastructure, and governance.
In 2019, he emerged as the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Zamfara State. Initially, he lost the election, but an unexpected legal twist changed his fate. The Supreme Court of Nigeria disqualified the originally declared winner due to irregularities, leading to Matawalle’s declaration as Governor of Zamfara State. This unprecedented development cemented his status as a resilient and formidable political figure.
In 2023, Matawalle’s leadership journey took another turn when he was appointed Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In this capacity, he has focused on:
His appointment reflects his deep understanding of governance, security challenges, and national development. It also underscores his continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape, as he plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s defense strategies.