The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently denounced what it terms as a malicious protest purportedly orchestrated by anti-progressive elements targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Matawalle.
In tandem with this condemnation, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has asserted that the recent demonstrations against the Minister of State signal a covert agenda aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s potential reelection bid in 2027. Yerima Shettima, the President-General of AYCF, underscored the organization’s persistent warnings regarding an alleged conspiracy by dissatisfied politicians to subvert President Tinubu’s interests.
In a statement attributed to the APC spokesperson in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, the party rebuffed the protesters’ actions, largely comprised of what it describes as a rented crowd, who marched to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, urging the anti-graft agency to probe the Minister. Idris asserted that the protesters’ claims lacked substance, contending that if there were any merit to the allegations, the EFCC would have already disclosed pertinent details to the public.
According to the APC statement, the EFCC’s response to the demonstrators underscores the commission’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating financial crimes impartially, devoid of personal vendettas or political biases. The statement further alleges that such protests are often orchestrated by Matawalle’s political adversaries, sometimes utilizing individuals unfamiliar with Zamfara’s terrain or even non-indigenes of the state.
The statement concluded by urging Minister Matawalle to remain steadfast in his endeavors to restore peace and security across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Shettima of the AYCF reiterated the organization’s call for vigilance within President Tinubu’s camp, emphasizing the need to counteract the maneuvers of disgruntled politicians. He warned that the protests targeting Matawalle could be part of a broader strategy to undermine Tinubu’s presidential aspirations, portraying the Minister as a pawn in this larger scheme.
Shettima urged President Tinubu to take proactive measures to consolidate his support base in the North and safeguard his candidacy against any machinations aimed at destabilizing it. He emphasized the critical role of figures like Matawalle in bolstering Tinubu’s influence in the region, cautioning against complacency amidst what he perceives as concerted efforts to thwart Tinubu’s political ambitions.