….I didn’t violate any executive order – Shinkafi

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

A group, Neutral minds for Nigeria’s Political Growth and Development, has called for the arrest of an APC chieftain, Sani Abdullahi Wanban Shinkafi,for allegedly
defying the state order that prohibits political gathering in Zamfara state.

Wanbam Shinkafi however,said that the gathering in question was not under the auspices of a political party, but his organization’s meeting which was held within his residence and as such it could not have constituted any security breach in the state.

“I did not violate any executive order, as there was no any white paper stopping political gathering in Zamfara State,” Shinkafi said.

Recall that the Zamfara state Governor, Dauda Lawal had in February, 2025 in a press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast, Media, and Public Affairs, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, banned all political activities in a move to curb escalating insecurity bedevilling the state.

The National coordinator of Neutral Minds for Nigeria’s Political growth and Development ,Obed Bawa ,in a statement,said peace and stability in Zamfara is the responsibility of all irrespective of location, hence the need for Government and relevant authorities to arrest defaulters of any government directives especially as it has to do with the peace of the land.

“We call on the government of Zamfara state and all relevant authorities to rise and do the needful by arresting Sani Abdullahi Wanban Shinkafi, who defied the order on 5th February, 2025 by inaugurating his political movement tagged ” Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Fronts” at his Gusau, residence.The formal Launching of the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Fronts last Wednesday, was against the state government’s directives and has heightened tension in Zamfara.”

“We watched and listened to the statement he made during the event on social media… and the press conference he had at night same day with… and a host of other social media platforms, Wanbai’s statement against the APC Zamfara state chapter which he’s a card carrying member, Zamfara West Senatorial Zone and also against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is capable of causing instability, therefore he need to be arrested” Obed alleged.

“As a group with a neutral mind we want government at all levels to always stand by its words and deal with defaulters of any government order so as to serve as deterrent to others.Sani Abdullahi at the event also declared his intention to run for the Governorship of Zamfara state come 2027 under the platform of the APC, which is also coming at the wrong time and may cause political tension in Zamfars.”

“The APC Chieftain who was a former National Secretary of APGA also accused President bola Ahmed Tinubu of lopsided appointment and described him as one that is owing Zamfara politicians appology over failure to appoint key members.Zamfara according to him, is one of the states that contributed and supported the APC in the 2023 General election which led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the polls, but we were neglected for appointments.”

While reacting, Shinkafi said that, the gathering in question was not under the auspices of a political party, but his organization’s meeting which was held within his residence, as such it could not have constituted any security breach in the state.

Commenting on his alleged criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over appointment, Shinkafi said, he stood by his words: Zamfara State has not been politically rewarded for its massive contribution to the election of President Tinubu in the 2023 general elections,” he alleged.