Zamfara Govt Accused of Sponsoring Anti-Matawalle Protest to Undermine Tinubu’s Security Agenda — APC Group

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Integrity Network, a key pressure group within Nigeria’s ruling party, has alleged that the Zamfara State Government orchestrated a protest to discredit the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as part of a calculated attempt to derail President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a strongly-worded statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the group’s president, Bamidele Ibrahim Ayoola, accused the Zamfara administration of sponsoring what he called a “cash-for-mob” protest staged by the APC Young Leaders Alliance.

Protest Described as “Sham” Stunt

Ayoola stated that the protesters were mobilised with monetary incentives ranging from N10,000 to N20,000 each and had little to no knowledge about Matawalle or the allegations they were supposedly protesting against.

“It is shameful and dangerous for any group to rent a crowd to smear a sitting minister,” Ayoola said. “We have credible evidence that these protesters were sponsored with Zamfara state funds.”

The group claimed the protest was not only poorly coordinated but featured placards with glaring errors, including references to “Bello Masari” instead of Matawalle.

Eyewitness Accounts, Alleged Use of State Resources

The APC Integrity Network said eyewitnesses spotted vehicles belonging to the Zamfara government dropping off protesters at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. They also shared purported video evidence showing cash being distributed to some participants after the demonstration.

The group alleged that the funding for the protest was routed through a proxy linked to a senior aide in the Zamfara State Government.

Alleged Plot to Destabilise Tinubu’s Cabinet

Ayoola warned that the protest was part of a broader political strategy to undermine Tinubu’s cabinet, particularly northern ministers perceived as influential in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

“This is not just about Matawalle. This is about weakening Tinubu’s cabinet and sowing disunity in the APC,” he asserted.

He added that the campaign against Matawalle was an attempt to destabilise national security progress and divert attention from the minister’s efforts to counter terrorism and banditry in the North-West.

Call for EFCC Investigation

The group challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the source of funding for the protest, including transportation, accommodation, and placard materials.

“Nigerians deserve to know who paid for this distraction,” the group said.

Warning Against Future Protests

The APC Integrity Network called on President Tinubu, the party’s National Working Committee, and relevant security agencies to investigate what it described as a coordinated smear campaign against high-ranking officials. The group warned that if such “mercenary protests” persist, it would publicly expose the masterminds and petition federal authorities for alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of state funds.

Matawalle’s Record in Security Commended

The statement concluded by defending Matawalle’s performance since his appointment, highlighting his efforts in reinforcing military operations and restoring stability in volatile regions.

“Enemies of progress are trying to distract a minister who is delivering results. But we remain vigilant and committed to defending our party leaders from both internal and external sabotage,” Ayoola concluded.