Zamfara APC crises deepens as Matawalle Faces Fund Mismanagement Allegations

A fresh crisis has engulfed the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, mismanaged party funds and made misleading claims about financial donations.

In a statement issued by Zamfara APC Secretary, Hon. Mansur Aminu Khalifa, the party dismissed Matawalle’s claim of donating ₦500 million to APC supporters, challenging him to provide proof of how the funds were distributed. The statement accused his faction of spreading falsehoods to deceive party members.

“The claim that Minister Matawalle donated ₦500 million to Zamfara APC supporters is misleading. Even Bashir Ataka, the former Welfare Secretary under Tukur Danfulani, has debunked this narrative,” the statement read.

The controversy deepened as Khalifa insisted that Tukur Danfulani, the current state chairman, was no longer recognized by the party, maintaining that his suspension remained valid and rendering all his actions illegitimate.

Beyond the financial disputes, Matawalle and his allies were also accused of diverting relief materials, including 12,000 bags of rice donated by President Bola Tinubu to APC supporters in Zamfara. Additionally, ₦50 million provided by President Tinubu for victims of banditry and fire disasters was allegedly misappropriated, with claims that the funds never reached the intended beneficiaries.

The statement praised Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, a prominent APC leader in Zamfara, for his consistent support for party members and his contributions to Tinubu’s 2023 election victory, describing him as a key political force in the state.

Further highlighting Matawalle’s declining influence, the statement referenced an alleged incident in which his convoy was stoned by residents during a recent visit to Zamfara, underscoring growing opposition to his leadership.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the statement warned that Matawalle’s political relevance in Zamfara was fading and urged President Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee to be cautious of his actions.

Meanwhile, the party reaffirmed its support for the Isiyaka Ajiya Anka-led APC faction, insisting that it remains the legitimate leadership in Zamfara until a new congress is conducted.

As the internal battle for control of Zamfara APC intensifies, the ongoing power struggle is expected to escalate further in the coming months.