A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Shinkafi, has raised the alarm over the state of affairs within the party in Zamfara State, calling for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Shinkafi also appealed to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to caution the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over what he described as divisive and destabilising political activities in the state.

He said the situation led to the party’s defeat in the last governorship election and warned that APC risks another loss in 2027 if the national leadership fails to rein in Matawalle’s alleged divide-and-rule tactics.

According to him, the former governor should focus instead on rebuilding the party through a robust membership drive ahead of the next general elections.

“It is worrisome that Matawalle, who ought to use his position as former governor and current Minister of State for Defence to unite, stabilise and strengthen APC in Zamfara State, is the one causing disaffection among members ahead of the 2027 general election. A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Shinkafi said.

He accused Matawalle of neglecting his ministerial duties and being distracted by internal party politics.

“No serious Minister of State for Defence will abandon critical national security duties to focus on welcoming fellow APC members to his camp. This unnecessary distraction, coupled with poor performance as governor, cost APC Zamfara State in 2023. The same mistake is repeating itself ahead of 2027 and could endanger President Tinubu’s victory in the North-West,” he warned.

Shinkafi urged President Tinubu and the APC national leadership to intervene immediately, saying the party cannot afford to lose Zamfara due to avoidable internal crises.

“Having stepped on many toes as governor and minister, what is expected of Matawalle is to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. This would have prevented leaders like Senator Kabiru Marafa from resigning due to disharmony,” he added.