By Olokuta Rofiat
The Zamfara State chapter of the APC has accused the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal of running a campaign to falsely link Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to banditry and insecurity in the North.
In a statement on Sunday, APC spokesman Yusuf Idris Gusau said the alleged plot aims to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into removing Matawalle from office.
The party noted that Matawalle and bandit leader Bello Turji have repeatedly denied any connection.
The APC claimed that public funds were being used to mobilise individuals, including religious leaders and hired protesters, across northern and southern Nigeria to spread the allegations.
Describing the claims as politically motivated and baseless, the party warned that such actions could distract security agencies and hinder efforts to tackle banditry.
It urged security agencies to investigate the alleged smear campaign and called on the public to ignore unverified claims while focusing on restoring peace in the region.
