Former Nigerian Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style. Marafa, who coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in Zamfara State during the 2023 presidential election, made the decision after a two-day meeting with his supporters.

The meeting, held in Kaduna on August 27 and 28, 2025, brought together representatives from all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State. The Senator Kabiru Marafa Consultative Forum discussed the state’s worsening security, political, and developmental challenges. In a communiqué, the group expressed regret that despite Marafa’s efforts in delivering votes for President Tinubu, Zamfara has allegedly been neglected by the current administration.

The Forum cited escalating insecurity in the state, including a high rate of kidnappings. According to reports, Zamfara recorded 1,203 kidnappings out of 4,722 nationwide in 2024. The group also condemned the alleged deployment of security forces to secure the APC’s electoral victory in a recent bye-election, while failing to protect lives in communities affected by banditry.

Furthermore, the Forum lamented the unfair treatment of Zamfara in federal appointments, noting that the state only received a Minister of State slot, while other Northwest states received two full ministerial positions each. The group also accused the Presidency of ignoring Zamfara victims of banditry, unlike other states where the President personally intervened with visits and relief support.

After exhaustive consultations, the Forum resolved to formally resign from the APC, citing “sustained injustice, mistrust, marginalisation, and deliberate neglect” of the state and its people. The group will announce its next political direction in due course, guided by the collective interest of the Zamfara people. This development may have significant implications for the political landscape in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest region.