Fresh political tensions have emerged in Zamfara State as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accuses the current administration of launching a coordinated campaign against Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence and former governor of the state.
The allegation was made public through a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson in Zamfara, Yusuf Idris Gusau, who claimed that government resources were allegedly being deployed to promote narratives linking Matawalle to insecurity in the region.
According to the APC, recent claims attempting to associate the minister with bandit activities in the North are politically motivated. The party argued that these allegations appear designed to damage Matawalle’s reputation and weaken his position within the federal government.
Party officials also suggested that the ultimate objective behind the alleged campaign is to influence President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into removing the minister from his current role.
The APC pointed to statements reportedly made by Bello Turji, a well-known bandit leader, who in certain recorded messages denied receiving any assistance from Matawalle. The party interpreted these denials as evidence that attempts to connect the minister with criminal groups lack credibility.
Furthermore, the APC claimed that certain individuals across different parts of the country have been involved in spreading accusations against Matawalle. According to the party, some of those individuals allegedly admitted to receiving financial backing from the Zamfara State Government to promote such claims.
Another issue raised by the party involves the case of Musa Kamarawa, an individual previously arrested during Matawalle’s tenure as governor. The suspect had reportedly been detained in connection with alleged gun-running and banditry-related offences.
The APC expressed concern over reports suggesting that Kamarawa was recently released. Party officials questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision and called for greater transparency regarding the legal process.
In response to the development, the party appealed to several national institutions to investigate the situation. Among the bodies mentioned were:
- Nigeria’s security agencies
- The National Judicial Council (NJC)
- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
- Relevant civil society organisations
The APC argued that examining the circumstances of the suspect’s release could help clarify whether due legal procedures were followed.
At the same time, the party reiterated its position that Matawalle has no connection to criminal elements operating in the region.
APC representatives also emphasised that individuals appointed to sensitive federal positions undergo security screening before assuming office. They maintained that such vetting procedures would have revealed any issues if credible evidence existed.
The controversy highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the state government and opposition forces in Zamfara.
Commentary and Analysis
The accusations made by the Zamfara APC illustrate how security issues in Nigeria’s northwest often intersect with political competition.
Banditry remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges, affecting communities through kidnappings, attacks, and displacement. In such an environment, political actors frequently face scrutiny over their responses to the crisis.
The current dispute also reflects broader tensions between state-level administrations and federal officials with previous ties to the region.
While the APC frames the issue as a politically motivated campaign against Matawalle, critics may argue that public officials must remain open to scrutiny regarding security concerns.
Ultimately, the matter highlights the need for transparent investigations and credible information when dealing with allegations related to national security.
Ensuring that such claims are examined objectively will be essential to maintaining public trust and avoiding the politicisation of security challenges in the region.
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