By: Manoah Kikekon
GUSAU, Zamfara – The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning against the "unruly" destruction of billboards featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle.
In a statement released on Friday, February 13, 2026, the party condemned the wave of vandalism sweeping through the state capital, Gusau. The party leadership cautioned that these targeted attacks on political symbols are not mere acts of mischief but are calculated attempts to incite political violence and destabilize the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the party has observed a systematic removal and destruction of billboards carrying the President’s image. This "erratic behavior," he noted, has transitioned from a general clampdown on APC branding to direct disrespect toward the nation’s Commander-in-Chief.
"This behavior has been ongoing over time, and it started with the clampdown on all APC billboards until the party petitioned security agencies," Idris stated. "Enough is enough. The APC, as a peace-loving party, will not fold its arms while disrespectful citizens carry out such illegal activities in the name of politics."
The statement highlighted a specific incident on Wednesday when sponsored thugs allegedly attempted to vandalize a prominent billboard located in front of the personal residence of Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. The billboard also featured **Senator Abdulaziz Yari, both of whom are former governors and influential leaders within the party.
The APC credited the quick intervention of security personnel attached to the minister’s residence for preventing the total destruction of the facility. The party warned that using "thugs" to stir up crisis ahead of party congresses is a dangerous precedent that must be stopped immediately.
The Zamfara APC is now calling on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to treat these acts of vandalism as a threat to national security. Idris emphasized that the party would no longer tolerate the "incivility" of selfish politicians who encourage lawlessness to gain political leverage.
"We will not tolerate the activities of some selfish politicians to encourage political violence. We implore security agencies in the state to stop such vandalism and disrespect to the president," the statement added.
As the 2027 election cycle begins to loom, the political atmosphere in Zamfara remains tense. The APC maintains that while political rivalry is expected, the destruction of public and private property crosses a legal and moral line.