The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized one of its chieftains, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, for his recent remarks on insecurity in the state. According to a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, Shinkafi’s comments were motivated by desperation for relevance.
Shinkafi had accused former Governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, of engaging in divisive politics, which he claimed led to the APC’s defeat in the 2023 elections. He also urged President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman to intervene before Matawalle “destroys the party’s chances in 2027.”
The Zamfara APC described Shinkafi’s outburst as “a product of envy, frustration, and meddlesomeness.” The party commended Minister Matawalle and President Tinubu for their efforts in combating insecurity across the country. It also recalled that Shinkafi had previously benefited from Matawalle’s goodwill, having found refuge in his government after losing his political base in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2019.
The party accused Shinkafi of being ungrateful to the former governor and seeking favor from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state. It claimed that Shinkafi’s attacks on Matawalle were aimed at pleasing Governor Dauda Lawal, who views Matawalle as a political threat.
The APC also dismissed Shinkafi’s claim that Senator Kabiru Marafa was forced out of the party, stating that Marafa left of his own accord after failing to secure any appointment. The party maintained that there is no division within its ranks and that it has never been more united under the leadership of Minister Matawalle and other prominent figures.
The APC’s statement emphasized that the party’s unity led to its recent victory in the Kaura-Namoda South State Assembly by-election. It expressed confidence that despite the actions of “betrayers” like Shinkafi, the party is on course for a strong comeback in Zamfara in 2027. The statement concluded that the APC will take steps to deal with those whose intentions are against the party’s unity and success.