Zamfara APC Alleges Plot to Link Matawalle to Banditry

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state government of attempting to politically link Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to banditry.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by APC State Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party claimed repeated denials by bandit leaders, including Bello Turji, of any association with Matawalle point to a political agenda against the former governor.

The APC alleged that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration is using public resources to mobilize individuals, groups, religious figures, and protesters across Northern Nigeria and parts of the South to promote narratives connecting Matawalle to insecurity. The party also questioned the release of suspected bandit Musa Kamarawa during Matawalle’s tenure, calling for investigations by security agencies, the National Judicial Council, the Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society groups.

Highlighting Matawalle’s record as governor, the APC cited his peace initiatives with bandit groups, which led to the surrender of arms, reopening of markets, and improved security. The party described recent claims linking him to criminal elements as politically motivated, connected to internal PDP tensions ahead of the 2027 governorship election, and urged the public to disregard the allegations.

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