Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Abdullahi Shinkafi has raised concerns about escalating internal conflicts within the party’s Zamfara State chapter, warning these divisions could jeopardize the ruling party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
In an October 26, 2025 statement, Shinkafi urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda to intervene before the crisis worsens. He specifically accused Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle of undermining party unity through divisive political maneuvers.
“It’s troubling that Matawalle, who should leverage his position as former governor and current minister to strengthen APC in Zamfara, is instead creating discord before the 2027 elections,” Shinkafi stated. “A divided house cannot stand.”
The APC chieftain criticized Matawalle for allegedly prioritizing Zamfara politics over national security responsibilities. “No serious Defence Minister would neglect critical security duties to focus on welcoming political defectors,” Shinkafi remarked.
Shinkafi connected this pattern to APC’s 2023 governorship defeat in Zamfara, citing “poor performance and misplaced priorities.” He cautioned that history could repeat in 2027, potentially endangering Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the North-West region where he previously secured strong support.
“Unless checked, Matawalle’s divide-and-rule tactics could trigger another major loss,” Shinkafi warned. “I implore the President and party leadership to intervene before Zamfara collapses due to avoidable internal strife.”
According to Shinkafi, Matawalle’s approach has alienated influential figures including Senator Kabiru Marafa, who resigned from APC citing exclusion. He advised the Minister to seek reconciliation rather than deepening fractures.
“After offending many during his governance, Matawalle should pursue forgiveness,” Shinkafi emphasized. “Welcoming defectors while leaders exit shows poor judgment.”
The chieftain urged national leadership to prioritize membership mobilization and grassroots rebuilding. He stressed that ongoing factionalism could weaken APC’s standing across Nigeria’s crucial North-West political zone.
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