By Abdullahi Alhassan
Kaduna, Nigeria, October 25,2025( Series News Online)
A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and member of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Council 2023, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to order over his divisive politics in Zamfara State. Shinkafi alleged that Matawalle's actions led to the party's defeat in the 2023 gubernatorial election and are threatening the party's chances in the 2027 general election.
In a press statement, Shinkafi also appealed to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to intervene and stop Matawalle's alleged divisive tactics. "It is worrisome that Matawalle, who ought to use his position as former governor and current Minister of State for Defence to unite, stabilize, and strengthen APC in Zamfara State, is the person causing disaffection amongst party members ahead of the 2027 general election," Shinkafi said.
Shinkafi accused Matawalle of "politics of bitterness and vendetta" that factionalized the party and led to his defeat as a sitting governor by the Peoples Democratic Party's Dauda Lawal. "Instead of an intensive membership drive, Bello Matawalle has been busy chasing shadows in a vicious cycle. This infantile politics must stop if APC should regain Zamfara State in 2027," he added.
The APC chieftain also criticized Matawalle for turning his ministerial office into a personal campaign office, where he receives inter-party and intra-party defectors. "It is ignoble for a minister of the Federal Republic to turn his office to a personal campaign office where he receives inter-party and intra-party decampees. It is morally wrong and politically outrageous," Shinkafi said.
Shinkafi urged Matawalle to focus on his official duties as Minister of State for Defence and prioritize national security over partisan politics. "A united APC will win Zamfara State in future elections. It is time to unite and work towards that," he said.
Matawalle has been accused of inducing defections from the PDP to the APC, with over 24,000 PDP members reportedly defecting to the APC in Zamfara State. However, Shinkafi's allegations suggest that Matawalle's actions may be counterproductive and harm the party's chances in the 2027 general election.
Tags
Politics