The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected claims that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is a registered member of the party, describing a widely circulated APC membership card bearing his name as fake and misleading.
The denial follows the spread of images on social media suggesting that Turji — a figure linked to violent attacks across parts of north-western Nigeria — held a valid APC membership, sparking outrage and political controversy.
APC’s official response
Reacting to the development, Zamfara APC Chairman, Tukur Danfulani, dismissed the claim, saying the party had no record of Bello Turji as a registered member.
“There is no evidence whatsoever that Bello Turji is a member of the APC. The so-called membership card being circulated is fake,” Danfulani said.
He warned that attempts to associate political parties with criminal elements risk undermining public confidence and trivialising the severity of the security crisis in the state.
Why the claim gained traction
The allegation gained momentum amid heightened public anger over persistent banditry in Zamfara and neighbouring states, where attacks on communities have continued despite military operations.
Analysts note that linking political actors to criminal networks has become a recurring tactic in Nigeria’s information battles, particularly during periods of security escalation.
Understanding APC membership records
Party officials explained that APC membership is processed through ward-level registration, with verifiable records maintained at local and state levels. According to the Zamfara APC, the card circulating online does not match officially issued formats or serial records.
“Our membership process is documented. Any genuine card can be traced back to its issuing ward,” Danfulani added.
The danger of politicising insecurity
Security experts warn that unverified claims linking political parties to armed groups can inflame tensions and distract from efforts to combat violence.
Zamfara has been one of the epicentres of bandit activity in the north-west, with successive governments struggling to restore lasting security. Analysts argue that misinformation risks shifting focus from policy failures and operational gaps to partisan blame games.
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What this means politically
The Bello Turji APC membership claim has sharpened sensitivities around the intersection of politics and insecurity, especially as parties position themselves ahead of future electoral cycles.
For the APC, the denial is aimed at drawing a clear line between political organisation and criminality, while urging the public to rely on verified information rather than viral content.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, officials say responsible discourse and fact-based reporting remain critical to preventing further polarisation.