Zamfara PDP criticises President Tinubu’s directive to Defence Minister Matawalle over Kebbi school abduction, calling it an empty political drama, while APC defends federal action

The Zamfara state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s directive asking Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi following the abduction of 25 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GGSS) Maga.

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In a statement on Saturday, PDP Publicity Secretary Alhaji Haliru Andi described the directive as “nothing but an empty drama designed to mislead Nigerians.”

He argued that Matawalle lacks the capacity to address national security challenges, citing ongoing attacks in his hometown as proof of incompetence.

“Even today, attacks persist in his own hometown, proving he lacks the competence and credibility to handle national security issues. The APC government has completely failed Nigeria,” Andi said.

He pointed to recent violent incidents, including the Kwara church attack, Kebbi school abductions, the killing of General Uba in Borno, and other kidnappings across the country as evidence of the ruling party’s failings.

However, the APC in Zamfara swiftly rejected the PDP’s claims. State APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris described the criticism as “sheer madness” and an attempt to undermine national security.

Idris commended President Tinubu for cancelling a planned foreign trip to personally oversee the rescue of the kidnapped students, noting it as a historic first in the country.

“Kidnapping of students in Nigeria has been ongoing since President Jonathan’s era, yet no former president cancelled engagements to prioritise the rescue of abducted children. President Tinubu demonstrates that every citizen’s life is important,” Idris said.

He also highlighted Matawalle’s past efforts as governor of Zamfara to tackle banditry and argued that the PDP-controlled state government has failed to curb insecurity in the region.

Idris accused the PDP of making repeated attempts to have Matawalle removed and of offering no solutions while confronting federal authorities.

“The PDP has resorted to sabotaging the federal government rather than sympathising with the victims or aiding efforts to rescue the abducted school children,” he concluded.

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The standoff underscores growing tensions between the Zamfara PDP and the APC-led federal government amid escalating security challenges across northern Nigeria.