The Zamfara State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, asserting that he is desperate for relevance over comments on insecurity.
The party also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in combating insecurity.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party stated that Shinkafi is motivated by envy, frustration, and meddling.
The APC noted that in 2019, Shinkafi received support from former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who provided him with political shelter after he lost his standing in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“Since 2019, when Bello Mohammed Matawalle became governor of Zamfara State, Shinkafi, who had lost everything in APGA and was desperately seeking a new platform, found refuge in Matawalle’s accommodating government.
“Even when he claimed to have brought his APGA supporters to Matawalle, those supporters eventually left him to follow Matawalle.”
The party pointed out that instead of showing gratitude to former Governor Matawalle, who offered him support, Shinkafi is seizing every opportunity to disparage the former governor in a bid to gain favour with the PDP administration in the state.
“Having lost everything, Sani Shinkafi retreated to Zamfara, seeking acceptance from the PDP governor, all while claiming to be a member of the APC. In trying to manipulate the government into favouring him, he believes that causing trouble for former Governor and now Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, is the best approach, as this targets Governor Dauda Lawal, who perceives Matawalle as a threat.”
The party asserted that Shinkafi’s claim that Kabiru Mafara was forced out of the APC is a deliberate attempt to distort the truth, as Marafa, who was unable to secure any appointment, left of his own accord.
“Marafa even boasted that he had made several moves against the APC to have him sacked, but this did not happen, which is why he chose to exit himself.”
The APC stated that even close supporters of Marafa and Sani Jaji, a member of the House of Representatives who was also suspended by the party, are aware of the circumstances surrounding their departures.
The party insisted that there is no division within its ranks, asserting that the APC has never been more united in Zamfara than it is now, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the trio of Minister Matawalle, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Senator Yarima Bakura, and former Governor Mamuda Shinkafi, among others.
“It is this unity that enabled the APC to achieve a resounding victory over the ruling PDP in the recent by-election for the Kaura-Namoda South State Assembly seat. We remain highly confident that, even with the presence of betrayers like the money-seeking Sani Shinkafi, anti-party activist Sani Jaji, and envious Kabiru Mafara, the APC is poised for a strong comeback in Zamfara in 2027.
“As the APC strengthens its position in Zamfara State, we will ensure that no effort is spared, especially regarding those with ill intentions against the party’s success and unity.
“The party calls on Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi to amend his ways or face the consequences of his actions, as we are aware of his connections with the PDP in the state.
The APC in Zamfara, however, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed for recognising one of its leaders, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, as worthy of trust, while also commending the president for his proactive stance in tackling insecurity in the country.
