‘Jaji Is Nothing Without Matawalle, Yari’, Zamfara APC Slams Federal Lawmaker

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have launched a scathing attack on Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, the lawmaker representing Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda Federal Constituency of the State, accusing him of disloyalty and political betrayal.

The group, speaking through its spokesperson, Abdulkadir Suleiman Zurmi, claimed that Jaji owed his political rise to former Zamfara State governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, as well as Senator Abdullaziz Yari.

They alleged that despite benefiting from the support of the duo, Jaji has allegedly turned against them.

Zurmi likened Jaji’s actions to “biting the fingers that fed him”, arguing that Matawalle had helped resurrect his political career after the 2023 election.

“Nigerians, especially the people of Zamfara, should note that Jaji holds no significant influence in the state’s political landscape.

“Now that Matawalle and Yari have helped him, he is turning against them. Jaji cannot even win an election on his own if left to handle it independently.

“There is no way a leopard can change its skin.”

The group also questioned Jaji’s claims of spending N25 billion (approximately $27million) during the 2023 presidential election, challenging him to disclose the source of such a vast money

They suggested that his statements reflected “a clear malfunction of the brain” and argued that he lacked any legitimate business that could generate such funds.

Jaji, who was recently suspended from the APC in Zamfara State, has also been accused of working against President Bola Tinubu.

Furthermore, they criticised Jaji for allegedly inclining to Governor Dauda Lawal of the PDP while sidelining APC leaders. The group cited 2024 political event in Birnin Magaji, where Jaji reportedly invited Lawal but failed to acknowledge key APC figures.

The APC members urged Jaji to realign himself with the party, respect senior politicians, and cease what they described as “double-dealing.”

The statement warned that continued attacks on President Tinubu and party leaders could harm his political career.

The group accused Hon. Jaji of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interests, despite his associates securing key appointments in the administration.

“Despite two of his close associates, Mansur Khalifa and Dan Maigoro, directly benefiting from presidential appointments, he continues to work against the president due to his strong ties with the PDP and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare. His actions within his zone openly demonstrate his support for the PDP, revealing where his true loyalties lie.

“During the 2023 presidential election, Jaji was reportedly involved in efforts to block Tinubu’s emergence, though APC leaders like Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle ensured the party’s victory.

“Additionally, Governor Dauda Lawal suspended All Progressive Congress members in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, except two APC members jaji’s loyalist as a reward for Jaji’s role in sabotaging the party’s success in the state in favor of the PDP,” he stated.

Jaji’s unsuccessful bid for Speaker of the House, allegedly against Tinubu’s wishes, has fueled speculation about his political opposition to the president.

“Despite his fallout with the presidency, his associates continue to benefit from government appointments, raising concerns that these positions are being used to undermine Tinubu.

“Jaji is forging an alliance with the opposition to strengthen Dauda’s influence in Zamfara, an act seen as a betrayal of the APC.”

Zurmi said Matawalle has served as a commissioner, a member of the House of Representatives for 12 years, a one-term governor, and is currently the Minister of State for Defence.

Similarly, Senator Abdul Aziz Yari is a former governor of Zamfara State, a former member of the House of Representatives, and is now serving as a senator.

“Therefore, the position of a House of Representatives member should not inflate one’s ego or lead to misconduct, as it does not compare to their political stature,” Zurmi stated.