Fresh Internal Dispute Rocks APC in Zamfara State
The internal struggles within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have taken a new turn after prominent party stakeholder Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to remove Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defence.
The demand has added another layer to the ongoing tensions within the party, with concerns growing over unity and political stability ahead of future electoral contests.
Shinkafi Blames Matawalle for Party Divisions
During a briefing in Abuja, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi argued that many of the challenges currently affecting the APC in Zamfara can be traced to the influence of Bello Matawalle.
According to him, recent disagreements surrounding the party’s electronic membership registration exercise have exposed long-standing divisions among members. He claimed that the registration process has become a major source of controversy and dissatisfaction within the state chapter.
The APC stalwart maintained that decisive action is required if the party intends to rebuild trust among its members.
Calls for Restructuring Defence Leadership
Beyond his criticism of Matawalle, Shinkafi reiterated his long-held position regarding the Office of the Minister of State for Defence.
He argued that the current Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, possesses the professional experience and leadership credentials necessary to oversee the nation’s defence responsibilities without the need for an additional ministerial position.
In his view, streamlining the structure could improve efficiency while reducing political friction associated with the office.
Concerns Over Membership Registration
A major part of Shinkafi’s complaint relates to the treatment of members associated with the Wambai Shinkafi Democratic Front.
He alleged that numerous supporters of the political movement were excluded from the APC membership registration process despite having a significant presence across all local government areas and electoral wards in Zamfara State.
The development, he said, has generated frustration among loyal supporters who expected equal participation in party activities.
2027 Political Ambitions Add New Dimension
The controversy comes at a time when political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections are beginning to emerge.
Shinkafi pointed out that he has openly supported the possibility of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while also expressing interest in contesting the Zamfara governorship position in the future.
He suggested that the alleged exclusion of his supporters raises concerns about inclusiveness within the party and could affect preparations for upcoming electoral contests.
Allegations of Intimidation Surface
The APC figure further claimed that he has faced intimidation and political pressure, which he attributed directly to Bello Matawalle.
At the same time, he dismissed suggestions that other influential politicians, including former Governor Abdulaziz Yari or Aminu Sani Jaji, were responsible for the situation.
Instead, he insisted that responsibility for the ongoing conflict rests primarily with the former Zamfara governor.
Questions Raised Over Party Structure
Another issue highlighted by Shinkafi concerns the composition of APC leadership structures within the state.
He alleged that many party executives serving at state, local government, and ward levels were originally installed during Matawalle’s administration as governor, giving him significant influence over party affairs.
According to Shinkafi, this concentration of influence has contributed to persistent disagreements and made reconciliation more difficult.
Gossip News Now reports that the latest accusations have intensified discussions about the future direction of the APC in Zamfara as party leaders seek ways to manage growing internal tensions.
Commentary and Analysis
The dispute between Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi and Bello Matawalle highlights the broader challenges facing political parties as they prepare for future elections. Internal disagreements over membership registration, leadership influence, and candidate positioning often become more pronounced as political ambitions begin to take shape.
For the APC in Zamfara, the ability to address these concerns through dialogue and compromise may prove crucial. If unresolved, the growing divisions could affect party cohesion and potentially influence political dynamics in the state ahead of the next electoral cycle.
