Stakeholders allegedly short-changed as anger grows over anniversary funds; sources claim at least 20 APC members have quit the party.
Tension is reportedly mounting within the political camp of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, following allegations of the diversion of ₦165 million reportedly earmarked for the transportation, feeding and welfare of political stakeholders and supporters attending the recently concluded 30th anniversary celebration of Zamfara State.
Sources familiar with developments within the minister’s political camp alleged that funds intended to facilitate the participation of stakeholders drawn from the state’s 14 local government areas were not distributed as expected, triggering anger and dissatisfaction among party members.
According to the sources, Matawalle had released ₦60 million for transportation and feeding arrangements before travelling abroad for an official engagement. However, the sources alleged that several stakeholders received only token payments, reportedly ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦100,000, while others received amounts they considered inadequate for the purpose for which the money was released.
The sources further alleged that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, released ₦70 million and an additional ₦35 million for the welfare of stakeholders and party members associated with Matawalle’s political camp during the anniversary activities.
They claimed that a separate group of 70 stakeholders associated with Senator Abdulaziz Yari received ₦700,000 each. By contrast, they alleged that payments to stakeholders in Matawalle’s camp varied considerably, with some reportedly receiving as little as ₦1,000 and others up to ₦400,000, depending on their positions and perceived closeness to the minister.
The allegations have reportedly deepened divisions within Matawalle’s political network, with some stakeholders expressing frustration over what they perceive as unequal treatment and a lack of transparency in the handling of the funds.
Alleged defections rock APC ranks
The controversy is also said to be fuelling dissatisfaction among party loyalists, with sources claiming that at least 20 critical stakeholders have resigned their membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The reported departures, if independently confirmed, could signal growing discontent within a section of the party’s political structure in Zamfara State.
However, the identities of the alleged defectors, the circumstances surrounding their reported resignations and their intended political destinations have yet to be independently established.
Questions over accountability
The allegations raise questions about the amount released, the intended beneficiaries, the distribution process and the accountability mechanisms governing the funds.
As of the time of writing, the claims have not been independently verified, and no response from Matawalle or his senior political adviser has been included in the information available for this report.
The minister and the adviser should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before publication as established fact.
Further details are expected as inquiries into the unfolding controversy continue.
Editorial note: Your original account refers to ₦165 million in total, but the figures specifically mentioned—₦60 million, ₦70 million and ₦35 million—add up to ₦165 million. The report should establish whether these were separate allocations, who released each amount, and whether documentary evidence supports the claims before describing the money as stolen or naming an individual as responsible.
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