A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of the Tinubu–Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to call the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to order over what he described as divisive politics in Zamfara State.
Dr. Shinkafi says Matawalle’s political actions have deepened internal party conflicts, which he believes contributed to the APC’s loss in the 2023 governorship election. According to him, instead of working to unite members, the former governor is using his influence and position to fight fellow party leaders in Zamfara.
“A House Divided Cannot Stand”
In a statement obtained by Mediaplusng.com, Shinkafi expresses disappointment that Matawalle, who should be uniting APC members as a minister, is allegedly fueling disunity and factionalism within the party. He warns that if the trend continues, the party risks repeating its 2023 mistakes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He accuses Matawalle of running a “divide-and-rule” style of politics and turning his ministerial office into a political meeting point for defectors rather than focusing on his duties as a federal minister. Shinkafi describes this as “politically wrong and morally unacceptable,” saying it undermines the seriousness of national security institutions.
Security First, Politics Later
Dr. Shinkafi urges the minister to prioritize national defence duties over political battles. He stresses that the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry should take centre stage, not partisan struggles. “The Ministry of Defence should not be turned into a campaign office,” he said.
He also recalls multiple threats and attacks allegedly linked to political rivalries in Zamfara. Shinkafi notes that, despite the risks, he remains a loyal member of the APC and has formed the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front to promote unity and peaceful engagement among party members.
Call for Reconciliation and Party Unity
Dr. Shinkafi reminds party stakeholders that he played a key role in bringing Bello Matawalle into the APC from the PDP in 2021, alongside other leaders such as former ministers and governors. He says it is disappointing that the same person is now creating divisions rather than strengthening the party.
He calls on Matawalle to seek reconciliation and forgiveness from those he may have wronged, emphasizing that only a united APC can reclaim Zamfara State in 2027. “A stitch in time saves nine,” Shinkafi concludes, urging President Tinubu to intervene before the situation worsens.
