The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened legal action against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over allegations that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, was involved in kidnapping incidents in the state.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the party’s spokesperson, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the APC condemned recent claims made by Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Dauda Lawal, describing the allegations as baseless, defamatory, and politically motivated.
The statement followed an emergency meeting of the APC State Working Committee (SWC), chaired by Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, which reviewed the “provocative” remarks attributed to Kaura.
“The lies being peddled by the Zamfara State Government, especially against Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, are not only misleading but must be thoroughly investigated,” the statement read.
The APC described Kaura’s comments—particularly those made in a recent online video interview—as acts of “character assassination” and “open insults” targeting key party figures, including Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, now Senator representing Zamfara West.
According to the statement, Kaura falsely claimed that the December 11, 2020, abduction of over 300 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in neighboring Katsina State was part of a conspiracy involving Matawalle. He also alleged that Matawalle received ₦300 million from then-Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina to facilitate the students’ release but handed only ₦30 million to the kidnappers.
“The APC, which vigorously tackled banditry during Matawalle’s administration, strongly objects to these falsehoods and has instructed its legal team to initiate a lawsuit,” the statement said. “Kaura must provide credible evidence to back these serious allegations, particularly those involving the 2020 Kankara abduction and other so-called ‘prearranged’ kidnappings.”
The party also challenged Kaura to provide proof for other high-profile abductions, including:
The APC noted that under Matawalle’s tenure, many of these victims were rescued swiftly, with consistent support provided to affected communities. It cited towns such as Gwaram, Kanoma, Kaya, Faru, Janbako, Lilo, and Anka, among others, as evidence of his administration’s proactive approach to security challenges.
“The party is also considering legal action against the media platform, Maibiredi TV, which aired the interview, given the seemingly coordinated effort between interviewer and interviewee using a prepared script to push a false narrative,” the statement added.
The APC accused the PDP-led government of attempting to deflect attention from its shortcomings by engaging in smear campaigns and inciting public tension for political gain.
“This reckless outburst against Matawalle and Yari reflects the PDP’s fear of the growing popularity and acceptance of our leaders,” the party said. “But no amount of propaganda can deter us from our mission to serve the people of Zamfara.”
