The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that there is a political plot to associate the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, with banditry and insecurity in the North.

The party said repeated public denials by known bandit leaders of any ties with Matawalle suggest a coordinated effort to smear the former governor’s image for political reasons.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party accused the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, of persistently pushing narratives aimed at linking Matawalle to banditry, despite contrary evidence. It claimed the alleged campaign was intended to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into removing the minister from office.

The APC cited video recordings in which a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, reportedly denied ever working for or receiving sponsorship from Matawalle, either during his time as governor or in his current ministerial role.

According to the party, the state government was allegedly deploying public funds to mobilise individuals and groups, including religious leaders, political actors and protesters, across different regions of the country to spread claims connecting Matawalle to insecurity. It further alleged that some of those involved had admitted to being financially supported by the state government.

The APC also raised concerns over the release of Musa Kamarawa, a suspected bandit who was arrested during Matawalle’s tenure as governor over alleged gun-running and banditry-related offences. It questioned how Kamarawa was released while his case was reportedly still pending.

The party called on security agencies, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kamarawa’s release.

Rejecting claims that Matawalle has links to criminal elements, the APC stressed that appointments to sensitive national positions require thorough security clearance by relevant agencies.

It also recalled earlier allegations against the minister, including protests allegedly organised outside Zamfara State demanding his removal, which it described as politically orchestrated.

The party argued that the latest accusations are politically motivated and tied to internal divisions within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara, as the state approaches the 2027 governorship election.

Referencing Matawalle’s time as governor, the APC said his administration implemented peace initiatives that led to the surrender of weapons, the reopening of markets and improved security in some parts of the state. It added that Bello Turji had repeatedly denied having any relationship with Matawalle.

The APC urged members of the public to ignore what it described as baseless allegations against the minister.