By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna A group under the aegis of Neutral Minds for Nigeria's Political Growth and Development has ca...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A group under the aegis of Neutral Minds for Nigeria's Political Growth and Development has called on the Zamfara State Government to arrest APC chieftain Sani Abdullahi Wamban Shinkafi for allegedly violating the state's directive banning political gatherings.
In February 2025, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal issued an order prohibiting political activities in a bid to curb escalating insecurity in the state. The ban was announced in a press statement signed by Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast, Media, and Public Affairs. The directive followed a security breach in Maru Local Government Area, which raised further concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Obed Bawa, Neutral Minds for Nigeria's Political Growth and Development stressed that peace and stability in Zamfara should be a collective responsibility. The group urged the government to take decisive action against individuals who violate directives, particularly when such violations could threaten peace and security.
The group specifically accused Shinkafi of defying the government’s order on February 5, 2025, when he inaugurated his political movement, the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Fronts, at his residence in Gusau. They alleged that the event heightened political tension in the state.
"We call on the Zamfara State Government and relevant authorities to act swiftly and arrest Sani Abdullahi Wamban Shinkafi, who disregarded the state’s order by launching his political movement last Wednesday. His actions undermine the government’s efforts to maintain stability," the statement read.
The group further claimed that Shinkafi's remarks during the event, which were broadcast on MAIBIRADI TV, FARA’A TV, DAN IYA TV, and other media platforms, were inflammatory. They alleged that his comments against the APC Zamfara State Chapter, the Zamfara West Senatorial Zone, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration could incite instability.
"As a group with a neutral stance, we urge the government at all levels to enforce its directives and punish violators to serve as a deterrent to others," Obed Bawa added.
The statement also accused Shinkafi of prematurely declaring his intention to contest the 2027 Zamfara State governorship election under the APC, arguing that such a move could trigger political tensions in the state.
During his speech at the event, Shinkafi reportedly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as lopsided appointments, alleging that the president owed Zamfara politicians an apology for failing to recognize their contributions to his 2023 electoral victory.
"Zamfara was one of the key states that supported the APC in the 2023 general election, yet we were sidelined in federal appointments," Shinkafi was quoted as saying. "All appointments from Zamfara State have been constitutional, but we lack key political appointments compared to states that neither worked nor voted for APC’s victory."
When contacted for his response, Shinkafi denied violating any executive order, arguing that there was no formal white paper banning political gatherings in Zamfara.
He insisted that the event in question was not a political party meeting but rather an internal gathering of his organization held within his residence, making it unlikely to pose any security risk.
On his criticism of President Tinubu’s appointments, Shinkafi reaffirmed his stance, insisting that Zamfara State had not been adequately rewarded for its support in the 2023 elections.
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