Supporters of the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front, under the chairmanship of Yushau Abdullahi Mada, have alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State is promoting favoritism among its members.
Speaking with journalists in Gusau on Saturday, Mada stated that the group was deeply concerned about an emerging culture of favoritism and exclusion within the state chapter of the APC.
He explained that, the group’s leader, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, had remained steadfast in his commitment to the unity and progress of both the party and Zamfara State, despite attempts to malign his reputation.
“We came across a certain publication filled with falsehoods, slander, and insults directed at our political leader, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi. This was clearly done to please the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and to create the impression that there are ‘favored’ and ‘unfavored’ members within the Zamfara APC,” Mada said.
Yushau Mada alleged that, in 2019, when Dr. Shinkafi was preparing for his governorship campaign under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), several political figures including Bello Matawalle, the late Ibrahim Mallaha, Senator Sahabi Yau, Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, and the late Jamilu Aliyu Zannan Gusau visited Shinkafi to seek his support in their effort to unseat the then-ruling government.
“Out of humility and goodwill, Dr. Shinkafi accepted their request on the understanding that, regardless of who won the election, they would all work together for the progress and development of Zamfara State,” he explained.
Following the election, Yushau Abdullahi Mada said, Dr. Shinkafi challenged the results at the election tribunal on grounds of irregularities.
"However, after appeals from notable figures, including the then-Attorney General Zarumi and elder statesman General Ali Gusau (rtd), Shinkafi withdrew his petition, an action that ultimately cleared the path for Bello Matawalle to become governor.
“Sadly, after assuming office, Matawalle failed to honor the promises and understanding reached with Dr. Shinkafi, Mada lamented.
He also alleged that, Dr. Shinkafi played a crucial role in shaping Matawalle’s early policies, especially during the first 100 days of his administration, before their relationship deteriorated due to differences in governance style.
“When Dr. Shinkafi observed that the administration was drifting from its original vision, he advised the governor in good faith. Unfortunately, instead of improving, things worsened,” Mada said.
He argued that, Dr. Shinkafi was never Matawalle’s subordinate and they were political allies who shared a common goal for the progress of Zamfara State.
The Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front therefore called on APC leaders in Zamfara to fear God and stop taking sidesurging them to treat all members equally.
Mada also criticized the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, accusing him of bias.
“As the Publicity Secretary, your duty is to promote the image and activities of the APC, not to serve as a personal spokesperson for the Minister of Defence. You should either be neutral or resign,” he declared.
He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Leadership to caution Matawalle and his loyalists against using a federal office for partisan political battles.
The group had also reaffirmed its total support for Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, describing him as “la dedicated APC stalwart who consistently stands against injustice.
“We believe in equity, fairness, and justice,” Mada said.
“In the 26 years of democracy in Zamfara, the state has had three governors from Zamfara West Ahmad Sani Yarima, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle who collectively governed for 20 years. The North had four years, while the Central Zone has just completed two years.”
The group therefore declared its opposition to any plan to field another governorship candidate from Zamfara West in 2027, insisting that power should shift to the North or Central Senatorial Zone.
“Justice and fairness are our guiding principles. Anything short of that will not have our support,” Mada affirmed.
He concluded by describing Dr. Shinkafi as a visionary and principled leader whose political ideology places the needs of the people above personal interest.
Yashau Mada urged supporters to remain law-abiding and committed to the collective vision of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Zamfara State.
Similarly, the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State
