The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has publicly condemned the repeated destruction of billboards featuring President Bola Tinubu, warning that such acts threaten to escalate political tensions in the region.
In a statement released on Friday in Gusau, the state capital, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, described the vandalism as a “disturbing development” with the potential to trigger violence. He alleged that the targeted removal and damage of posters bearing the president’s image has been an ongoing issue across parts of the state. According to Idris, the problem initially manifested as a clampdown on APC materials before the party formally petitioned security agencies for intervention.
The statement accuses unnamed political actors of sponsoring individuals to instigate unrest, particularly ahead of the party’s internal congresses and the 2027 general elections. A specific incident was cited from Wednesday, where suspected thugs attempted to deface a prominent billboard displaying images of President Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari. This billboard, located in front of Matawalle’s residence in Gusau, was reportedly saved only after security personnel intervened.
The APC has now formally called on state security agencies to take decisive action to prevent further vandalism and to safeguard public peace. The party emphasized that it will not tolerate any actions aimed at heightening political friction, framing the protection of campaign materials as essential to maintaining stability in the lead-up to future electoral cycles.
Analysts note that Zamfara has a history of politically charged incidents, and the destruction of public campaign signage often serves as a flashpoint in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape. The APC’s statement underscores the heightened sensitivities surrounding preparations for the 2027 elections, positioning the protection of posters as a barometer for broader security and democratic health in the state. The party’s demand for a robust security response highlights the critical role law enforcement is expected to play in deterring escalation and ensuring a peaceful political environment.
