APC Reacts to Alleged Membership Card Featuring Bandit Leader Bello Turji

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has flagged a counterfeit party membership card circulating in the state, warning the public that it is a deliberate attempt to damage the party’s reputation.

Malam Yusuf Idris, APC’s State Publicity Secretary, confirmed the discovery in a statement issued from Gusau on Monday. He said the forged card features an edited photograph of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, implying he is a registered APC member.

Idris described the forgery as obvious, citing errors on the card such as an incorrect date format and the use of Turji’s image, which is widely recognized by both security agencies and the public. He emphasized that APC’s registration process requires a valid National Identification Number (NIN), which Turji does not have.

“The card is fraudulent. APC registration involves proper NIMC documentation, including full personal details. Military attire or weapons are not acceptable for enrollment,” Idris explained. He also pointed out inconsistencies with the card’s ID code, noting that the code “26” belongs to Niger, whereas Zamfara’s correct code is “36.”

Preliminary investigations have linked the forged card to Babangida Aliyu Shinkafi, also known as Waziri, who was recently suspended from participating in the ongoing e-registration due to questionable conduct. The card was first traced to his Facebook account.

Idris urged the public to disregard the fake card and assured that security agencies have been notified. “We are confident the perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted,” he said.

The APC Zamfara chapter emphasized its commitment to the integrity of the ongoing e-registration process, describing it as “smooth, coordinated, and largely error-free.”