Group Demands Shinkafi’s Arrest for Defying Zamfara Government’s Ban on Political Gatherings
… I Didn’t Violate Any Executive Order – Shinkafi
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A political group, Neutral Minds for Nigeria’s Political Growth and Development, has called for the arrest of APC chieftain Sani Abdullahi Wamban Shinkafi for allegedly violating Zamfara State’s ban on political gatherings.
In February 2025, Governor Dauda Lawal issued the ban, citing escalating insecurity. The directive, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast, Media, and Public Affairs, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, was aimed at curbing security threats, particularly after a breach in Maru Local Government Area.
In a statement, Obed Bawa, National Coordinator of Neutral Minds for Nigeria’s Political Growth and Development, urged the government to enforce the ban by arresting defaulters.
According to him, maintaining peace in Zamfara is a collective responsibility, and violations of government directives should not be tolerated.
The group accused Shinkafi of defying the order by launching his political movement, Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Fronts, on February 5, 2025, at his residence in Gusau.
They also alleged that statements he made at the event aired on Maibiradi TV, Fara’a TV, Dan Iya TV, and covered by national media—were capable of inciting political tension.
However, in response, Shinkafi denied violating any executive order. He argued that no official White Paper prohibited political gatherings and insisted his event was a private meeting, not a party rally.
On allegations of criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over appointments, Shinkafi stood by his comments, claiming Zamfara had not been politically rewarded despite its strong support for the APC in the 2023 elections.
He accused the Tinubu administration of lopsided appointments and failing to recognize Zamfara politicians’ contributions.
“The appointments given to Zamfara are constitutional ones, and we only have a few of them. Other states that did not work for APC’s victory got better representation,” he said.
