Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC has condemned what it described as a malicious protest orchestrated by some anti progressive persons against the minister of state for defence, Mr Bello Matawalle.
Corroborating, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) alleged that the recent protests against the minister of state, confirms a sinister plot against President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.
President general of AYCF Yerima Shettima, said they have been vocal in its warnings about a brewing conspiracy by disgruntled politicians to undermine President Tinubu.
However, APC, in a statement by its spokesperson in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, said the protesters, largely made up of a rented crowd marched to the Headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja asking the anti graft agency to investigate the Minister.
According to him, the claims of the protesters were frivolous as if the claims were true, the EFCC would have since made the details available to the public.
“The rented crowd ignorant of the national laws constitutional and judicial process in the operations of anti graft agencies against a suspect resorted in a protest of envy and vendetta against the rising popularity of the Minister Bello Matawalle”, the statement added.
He stressed that the response of the EFCC to the protesters explained clearly that the commission’s constitutional mandate was not driven by personal vendettas, political differences and tribal sentiments but focused to uphold the rule of law and combating financial crimes without fear or favour.
According to him, such protest have been coming from Matawalle’s political rivals organized by a few people from Matawalle’s home state, sometimes using non Zamfara indigenes (one time from the south east) who never knew the road to Zamfara as well as people idling in the outskirts of Abuja and beggars to hold placards that they could not even read what the content said against the Minister.
“We strongly believe that such failed protests will always meet brick walls and embarrassment to the sponsors who are presently trying to hide their faces over failure through sponsored protests with a view to distract Matawalle from carrying his assigned national responsibility for the progress and development of our nation”, he explained.
The statement however urged the Minister to remain focus and continue with his efforts to achieve success in restoring peace and security throughout Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Shettima reiterated the calm by ACYF on President Tinubu and his team to remain vigilant and take concrete steps to counter the efforts of disaffected politicians, stressing the need to solidifying Tinubu’s support base in the North, with figures like Bello Matawalle being crucial allies in such endeavor.
Shettima warned that these machinations should not be taken lightly and called on Tinubu to be proactive in safeguarding his candidacy and ensuring a fair electoral process.
“The recent protests targeting Bello Matawalle are linked to destabilizing Tinubu’s support base in the North and are a clear indication of a concerted effort to undermine Tinubu’s candidacy and influence in the region”.
Shettima claimed that Matawalle is being used as a mere pawn in a larger scheme aimed at derailing Tinubu’s presidential ambitions.
“The protests, orchestrated by a Zamfara group, are seen as a vindication of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum’s claims about political interference and manipulation.
In light of these developments, Shettima has emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in safeguarding Tinubu’s candidacy, adding that it is crucial for President Tinubu and his team to navigate these challenges effectively and protect the integrity of their support base in the North.
“The AYCF calls on President Tinubu to take decisive action to solidify his support in the North and thwart the efforts of those seeking to derail his reelection bid. As a respected voice within the North, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum stands firm in its support for true democratic practices and urges Mr. President to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine his candidacy,” said Shettima.