The Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Zamfara State chapter, has debunked a report been published attacking the political integrity of Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, described it as fiction, lies, slander, and insults to please the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Speaking with newsmen in Gusau on Saturday, the Chairman Wamban shinkafi Democratic Front, Yusha’u Abdullahi Mada claimed that, the published report was targeted at smearing the hard earned reputation of their mentor and to tell the public that there are “favored” and “unfavored” members within the APC in Zamfara State”.
“Let us remind you that our leader and APC stalwart, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, was at home preparing for his gubernatorial campaign under the platform of APGA in 2019 when Bello Matawalle in company of PDP chieftain, late Ibrahim Mallaha, Senator Sahabi Yau, Hon. Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace, former deputy Governor Mahdi Aliyu Gusau and Director General Matawalle campaign, Late Jamilu Aliyu Zannan Gusau visited his residence to sought his support to formed forces against the then ruling APC government.
“Being a man of humility and goodwill, Dr. Shinkafi accepted their request on the condition that whoever emerged victorious in the 2019 elections they would work hand-in-hand for the progress and development of Zamfara State.
“After the elections, APC was wrongly declared winner upon which Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi rushed to election tribunal where he challenged the results on grounds of electoral irregularities.
“Later, the then Commissioner for justice and Attorney General, Zarumi, can attest to that along with our elder statesman, General Ali Gusau (rtd), appealed to Dr. Shinkafi to withdraw his petition from the Election petition tribunal if he refused to withdraw his petition the outcome of the election tribunal verdict will not be favourable for Bello Matawalle became the governor. After the judgement of Supreme Court, Matawalle changed against all the promises they agreed upon.
“At the beginning of Matawalle’s administration, Shinkafi was his closest ally.Virtually all the key policies and achievements of Matawalle’s first 100 days in office were based on the sound advice and guidance of Dr. Shinkafi aimed at rebuilding Zamfara State.
“However, along the line, Matawalle began to deviate and run the government in the wrong direction. When Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi noticed the wrong steps, he advised directly and sincerely but still things worsened for ignoring his ideas, but yet continued to use every legitimate means to tell Matawalle the truth.
“It is important to note that, Wamban Shinkafi was never Matawalle’s subordinate.They were political allies who worked together for the success and progress.
“Therefore, we call on the so-called “loyal leaders” of APC in Zamfara State to fear God and stop taking sides, protecting one party member while insulting another would not in one way or the other yield the needed outcome.
“To you, the overzealous APC leaders, be aware that the party’s congress to restructure leadership is approaching, and it may happen that some of you will be replaced. Perhaps that’s why you are now trying to gain favor and benefit from temporary privileges.
“As for the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, you should understand that your responsibility in the party is managing the organization’s public image and communication, which included promoting its activities, issuing press releases, and maintaining a positive relationship with the media and the public.
“I believed you tactically resigned your office and returny to become the spokesperson of the Minister of Defence, you have clearly gone beyond the limits of your assigned duties. You have started defending a particular party member instead of being fair and just to everyone.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Leadership of the APC to caution the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as well as some APC leaders in Zamfara who act as his loyalists, to desist from using a ministerial position for partisan political battles”, Yusha’u Masa has stressed.
“Wamban Shinkafi democratic front in Zamfara State has reaffirmed their total support to Zamfara State APC chieftain, Dr sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, noting that, Shinkafi remains one of the APC stalwart, dedicated against injustice in the state.
“The Shinkafi’s supporters reaffirmed their commitment to justice in the state, stressing that they are not going to support any gubernatorial candidate from Zamfara west in 2027, we believed in equity, fairness and justice”, Mada expressed their stand.
