APC Denies Link to Terrorist Kingpin After Controversial Membership Card Surfaces

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly denied any association with the wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji, following the circulation of a party membership card bearing his name and photograph.

The card, which appeared online, sparked immediate controversy and raised questions about possible political ties to violent non-state actors. Turji is a notorious bandit kingpin long accused of orchestrating killings, kidnappings, and attacks in Zamfara and neighboring states.

In a swift rebuttal, the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, dismissed the card as a “crude forgery” created by mischievous elements aiming to disrupt the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise. He highlighted several inconsistencies, noting that the card displayed the code “26,” which corresponds to Niger State, whereas Zamfara State uses the code “36.”

Idris also emphasized that the APC’s registration is linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) system, making it virtually impossible for a wanted individual like Turji to be formally enrolled. “How could NIMC capture him in military uniform with a gun on his shoulders?” he questioned.

The party alleged that the fake card is connected to a suspended member, Babangida Aliyu Shinkafi, and stated that the matter has been reported to security agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

This incident occurs amid persistent public concern over allegations of political actors sheltering or negotiating with armed groups in Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry has caused widespread displacement and loss of life.