Bello Matawalle
- Name: Bello Matawalle
- Birthdate: February 12, 1969
- Birthplace: Maradun, Zamfara state
- Occupation: Politician
Bello Muhammad Matawalle was born on February 12, 1969, in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. He began his education at Maradun Township Primary School, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979. He attended VTC Bunza, graduating in 1984. Matawalle pursued higher education at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos and later at Thames Valley University in London.
Early career and entry into politics
Matawalle started his professional career as a teacher at the Government Girls College, Moriki and Kwatarkoshi. He later joined the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. His political journey began in 1998 when he contested for a seat in the House of Assembly under the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).
Political career
From 1999 to 2003, Matawalle served as Zamfara State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Environment, Rural Development, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports. In 2003, he was elected to the House of Representatives representing the Bakura/Maradun constituency, serving until 2015. During his tenure, he was re-elected in 2007 and 2011, initially under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) before defecting to the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Governorship of Zamfara state
In the 2019 Zamfara state gubernatorial election, Matawalle, running under the PDP, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the All Progressives Congress (APC) votes due to irregularities. He assumed office on May 29, 2019.
In June 2021, Matawalle defected from the PDP to the APC. He sought re-election in the 2023 gubernatorial election but was defeated by Dauda Lawal of the PDP.
Minister of state for defence
On August 21, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence. In this role, he works alongside Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar to oversee Nigeria's defence policies and military affairs.
Personal life
Matawalle is married and resides in Abuja, Nigeria.
