The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has refuted claims made by former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa that he secured one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 election. According to the party, Marafa’s statement is an exaggeration with no basis in fact.
In a statement released in Gusau, APC Chairman Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani emphasized that President Tinubu’s votes in Zamfara were garnered through the party’s established structures and respected leaders, rather than individual efforts. Danfulani pointed out that Marafa has no record of electoral strength, highlighting that he was voted out of the Senate by his own constituents in 2019.
During the 2023 polls, Marafa made claims that had no impact on the election outcome, Danfulani noted. He added that Marafa could not even win his own constituency election, making his claim of securing one million votes for President Tinubu unfounded. The APC chairman attributed the party’s success in Zamfara to the faith of the people in the party and the leadership of figures such as Bello Matawalle and Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Danfulani also dismissed Marafa’s recent threat to withhold votes in 2027, describing it as baseless. He argued that Marafa has lost relevance in Zamfara politics, having failed to win even his ward or local government. The APC chairman characterized Marafa’s statements as a manifestation of frustration, stemming from his inability to secure positions and appointments in President Tinubu’s administration.
The APC in Zamfara remains strong and united, Danfulani asserted, citing the party’s recent victory in the Kaura Namoda South State Assembly bye-election as evidence of continued grassroots support. He urged party members to disregard Marafa’s statements, emphasizing that the APC’s strength lies in its collective leadership and the confidence of the electorate. The party’s response to Marafa’s claims serves as a testament to its commitment to setting the record straight and maintaining its reputation in Zamfara State.
