Zamfara APC Denies Bandit Leader Turji's Alleged Membership Card, Calls It Fake
The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly denied claims that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji obtained a party membership card, describing the circulating document as a deliberate fabrication aimed at tarnishing the party's reputation. This statement comes amid widespread online circulation of a purported APC membership card bearing Turji's name and photograph, which the party has labeled as fake.
APC Spokesman Exposes Forgery Details
Mr. Yusuf Idris, the APC spokesman in Zamfara State, issued a detailed statement to journalists on Monday, highlighting multiple inconsistencies in the alleged membership card. Idris emphasized that the card is a crude forgery created by mischievous elements seeking to disrupt the party's ongoing electronic registration exercise in the state. He pointed out that the forgery is easily detectable, with obvious errors such as a bold '26' on the date, which allegedly refers to January 26, and the use of a widely recognized photograph of Turji that is known to security agencies and the public.
Strict Registration Requirements Debunk Claims
Idris further explained that it is impossible for Bello Turji to be registered as an APC member due to the stringent requirements of the party's registration process. He noted that no individual can be duly registered without a National Identification Number (NIN), which Turji does not possess. This requirement alone exposes the ignorance of those behind the forgery and renders their efforts futile. Additionally, Idris questioned how the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) could have captured an individual wearing a military uniform and carrying a weapon, as such features are completely unacceptable during the enrollment process.
Wrong State Code and Investigation Links
The APC spokesman revealed that records from the ongoing registration exercise in Kware Ward show no membership identification number beginning with the code '26', which is designated for Niger State, not Zamfara. He clarified that Zamfara State membership cards begin with the code '36', further confirming the forgery. Preliminary investigations have linked the fake card to Babangida Aliyu Shinkafi (Waziri), an associate of Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, who was recently suspended from the registration exercise over alleged irregularities. Idris claimed that the forgery first appeared on Shinkafi's Facebook page, and the APC has completely dissociated itself from the fake card bearing registration number ID APC 261113000102.
Security Agencies Alerted and Party's Commitment
Idris urged the public to disregard the fake membership card and disclosed that the matter has been reported to security agencies for investigation. He expressed confidence that the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted, reaffirming the APC's commitment to transparency and integrity in all its processes. The party's swift response aims to mitigate any potential damage to its image and ensure the credibility of its membership registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In summary, the Zamfara APC has categorically denied the authenticity of Bello Turji's alleged membership card, citing multiple errors, strict registration requirements, and investigative findings as evidence of forgery. The party remains vigilant in protecting its reputation and processes from malicious actors.
