Fresh controversy has emerged over the political allegiance of eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly following their meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitated by the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Matawalle.
An X post by Abdul Rasheeth, @Rasheethe, circulated the lawmakers’ alleged denial, stating that their visit to the Presidential Villa concerned their suspension and outstanding entitlements rather than a decision to rejoin the ruling party.
However, the account differs from an earlier statement issued by Matawalle’s Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, following the lawmakers’ meeting with President Tinubu on Monday, October 19, 2026.
According to Dan-Wudil, the lawmakers reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their support for President Tinubu during the meeting.
The statement further disclosed that Matawalle had pledged to integrate the legislators into the Tinubu Again Movement, an initiative intended to coordinate political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The subsequent false tweets by elements loyal to the camp of Senator Yari therefore raised questions about whether their discussions with the President produced a firm political agreement or merely opened the door to further reconciliation.
According to sources within Zamfara political circles, the lawmakers’ engagement with Matawalle continued beyond their visit to the Presidential Villa.
Sources familiar with the developments claim that the legislators attended another gathering at Matawalle’s residence, where they reportedly interacted in a relaxed atmosphere with several photographs from the gathering showing some of the lawmakers wearing caps bearing President Tinubu’s insignia.
Some political sources sympathetic to Matawalle allege that the controversy is being amplified by individuals opposed to his political influence, including elements they associate with supporters of former Zamfara Governor Abdul’aziz Yari.
The eight legislators had earlier announced their departure from the APC, citing concerns including insecurity, alleged injustice and unpaid entitlements. Their suspension from the Zamfara State House of Assembly dates back to February 2024, with the Assembly leadership maintaining that the disciplinary action preceded their decision to leave the party.
The lawmakers involved are Aliyu Ango Kagara, Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, Faruk Musa Dosara, Bashir Abubakar Masama, Muktaru Nasiru Kaura, Nasiru Abdullahi, Bashar Bello and Bashar Aliyu.