Bello Matawalle Biography, Family, Wife, Children, and Minister of Defence Resignation Controversy

On this blog post, We provides a detailed look at the life and political career of Bello Matawalle, a prominent Nigerian politician, covering his biography, family, and the current political landscape surrounding his role as the Minister of State for Defence.

Bello Matawalle Biography and Political Career

Bello Muhammad Matawalle was born on February 12, 1969, in Maradun, which is in present-day Zamfara State, Nigeria. Before entering full-time politics, he worked as a teacher at Government Girls College, Moriki and Kwatarkoshi, and later with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

His political trajectory includes several key milestones:

• 1998–2003: Served as a State Commissioner in Zamfara State, holding portfolios such as Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Environment, Rural Development, and Youth and Sports.
• 2003–2015: Served three terms as a member of the House of Representatives for the Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency.
• 2019–2023: Served as the 5th Governor of Zamfara State. He was the PDP gubernatorial nominee and assumed office following a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified the initial winner.
• 2021: He defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
• August 2023–Present: Currently serves as the Minister of State for Defence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Throughout his career, Matawalle has been affiliated with several political parties, including the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and currently, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Matawalle Wife, Children, and Personal Life

Regarding his personal details, Bello Matawalle is known to be a man of a large family.

• Matawalle Wife (Spouses): The former governor is married to four wives. Named spouses mentioned in public records include Aisha Matawalle, Balkisu Matawalle, Fatimah Matawalle, and Sadiya Matawalle. Aisha Bello Matawalle was particularly active during his tenure as First Lady of Zamfara State, focusing on women’s empowerment and child health.
• Matawalle Children: Bello Matawalle is blessed with children. Specific details about the names or number of his children are not widely published.
• Education: He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate from Maradun Township Primary School (1979) and graduated from VTC Bunza (1984). He also attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and later studied at Thames Valley University, London (now known as the University of West London).

Minister of State for Defence: Why Bello Matawalle Faces Pressure to ‘Resign’

As of the current time, Bello Matawalle is the Minister of State for Defence of Nigeria. There is no publicly confirmed record of his resignation from this role. However, there has been significant public pressure and calls for his removal from the ministerial position.

The pressure stems primarily from a combination of factors:

• Corruption Allegations: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced an investigation into allegations of extensive corruption and misappropriation of over $70 billion from the state treasury during his tenure as Zamfara State Governor (2019–2023). The EFCC has assured the public it will continue with this investigation.
• Alleged Link with Bandits: He has faced severe allegations from his successor as Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal, and others, claiming that Matawalle had links with bandit leaders and even allegedly procured vehicles for them during his time as governor. Matawalle has repeatedly denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless.
• Inefficiency Claims: Some northern leaders and reports have described both him and the Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, as inefficient in addressing the country’s pressing security challenges.
• International Pressure: Following the recent resignation of Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (citing health grounds), reports indicated that the United States has been insisting on the replacement of both Badaru Abubakar and Matawalle before it would fully engage in security collaborations with Nigeria on combating terrorism and banditry.

While his colleague, the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned on December 1, 2025, Matawalle remains the Minister of State for Defence, though he continues to face intense scrutiny and calls for his removal.