EFCC Petition: Zamfara Senate Aspirant Shinkafi Accuses Matawalle of Witch-hunting

All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholder in Zamfara State and senatorial aspirant for Zamfara North, Hon. Abdullahi Shinkafi, has accused former governor and Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, of witch-hunting him over a petition reportedly submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Shinkafi said the EFCC had invited him over allegations contained in a petition accusing him of illegal mining and sponsoring terrorism in Zamfara State, claims he strongly denied.

Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in the Samaru area of Gusau, the state capital, Shinkafi described the allegations as malicious and an attempt to tarnish his image.

“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.

He categorically denied any involvement in illegal mining or sponsoring terrorist activities, insisting that the allegations were politically motivated.

Shinkafi further alleged that the petition dated back to the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, claiming that some funds were transferred to him for political and “strategic” purposes as an ally of the then government.

According to him, about N10 million was transferred to his company account on five separate occasions during Matawalle’s administration, which he said was not tied to any contractual obligation.

He maintained that the payments were made in the course of political collaboration and activities aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the state.

The APC stalwart also called on party leaders in Zamfara State and at the national level to intervene, alleging a coordinated attempt to damage his reputation and derail his political ambition.

He urged the APC leadership to “rise up and stand with him” against what he described as malicious actions targeted at undermining his credibility.

Shinkafi reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as his support for the re-election ambition of Governor Dauda Lawal, stating that his political structure remains mobilised ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also assured his supporters in Zamfara North Senatorial District that he would not withdraw from the senatorial race despite the allegations, urging them to remain calm.

He called on party stakeholders at all levels to resist what he described as politically motivated attempts to intimidate or silence him.