APC chieftain and Zamfara North senatorial aspirant, Abdullahi Shinkafi, has accused former Zamfara State governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of allegedly targeting him through a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Shinkafi made the allegation while reacting to claims linking him to illegal mining and terrorism sponsorship in Zamfara State — accusations he firmly denied.
Speaking during a press conference at his residence in the Samaru area of Gusau, the APC stakeholder described the petition as malicious and politically motivated.
“I am here today to address the press over an alleged EFCC petition which was sponsored by some mischievous persons with malicious intent to tarnish my good image that I have built for several years,” he said.
The senatorial aspirant insisted he has never been involved in illegal mining or the sponsorship of terrorist activities, adding that the allegations were part of an attempt to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Shinkafi further alleged that the petition originated during the administration of Bello Matawalle, claiming that financial transactions now being questioned were linked to political and strategic activities carried out while he was an ally of the former governor’s administration.
According to him, about N10 million was transferred into his company account on five different occasions during Matawalle’s tenure, but he maintained that the funds were not connected to any contract or illegal activity.
He explained that the money was received in the course of political collaboration and activities aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in Zamfara State.
The APC stalwart also appealed to party leaders at both the state and national levels to intervene, alleging a coordinated campaign to frustrate his political ambition and discredit him publicly.
He urged the APC leadership to stand by him against what he described as attempts to intimidate and silence him through politically motivated accusations.
Shinkafi reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu while also expressing support for the re-election ambition of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
He assured supporters in Zamfara North Senatorial District that he would not step down from the race despite the EFCC invitation and ongoing allegations.
The politician also called on party stakeholders to resist what he termed efforts to derail his senatorial ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
