A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has condemned an attack on him by political thugs during a wedding ceremony at the Jumu’at Mosque in Gusau last Friday.
Addressing a press conference at his Gusau residence on Saturday night, Dr. Shinkafi, a four-time governorship candidate under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, described the attack as a troubling political development. He called on the APC leadership to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
Recounting the incident, Dr. Shinkafi stated that the attack occurred as he exited the mosque with his entourage after attending the wedding of a political associate’s children. He alleged that members of an APC-affiliated gang, armed with dangerous weapons, attempted to assassinate him but were thwarted by the swift intervention of security operatives.
The attack came shortly after Dr. Shinkafi’s recent press conference in Gusau, where he criticised security agencies for failing to apprehend notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji. He had described Turji’s video threatening violence in Sokoto and Zamfara as a disgrace to Nigeria’s security forces.
Dr. Shinkafi alleged that the attack was politically motivated and orchestrated by disgruntled APC members unhappy with his call for party unity. He warned that a lack of cohesion in the APC could lead to a repeat of the failures experienced during the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
“I recognize all those who carried dangerous weapons during the attempted murder against me. They are card-carrying members of the APC,” Dr. Shinkafi said.
He vowed to ensure that the attackers are brought to justice, asserting his commitment to his constitutional rights and his dedication to addressing issues of insecurity and internal party affairs.
Dr. Shinkafi appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC stakeholders to intervene in the party’s internal crisis in Zamfara State, stressing the importance of unity for the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
“I will continue to speak on issues affecting insecurity in the state and our party’s unity until we achieve victory in the next elections. The mistakes of the past will not be repeated as long as I remain an APC member,” he declared.
He emphasised his determination to hold the party accountable and to work towards ensuring its unity and success in Zamfara. Dr. Shinkafi also reaffirmed his resolve to advocate for a secure and cohesive APC that can deliver victory in the next electoral cycle.
