APC walk for Yari poorly timed amid Zamfara insecurity – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for organising a 7km solidarity walk to celebrate the appointment of former governor Abdul’aziz Yari as Director-General of the party’s 2027 presidential campaign council.

The ADC said the event was poorly timed, arguing that Zamfara is still grappling with killings, kidnappings, displacement and other effects of insecurity.

In a statement on Thursday, the Zamfara ADC chairman, Kabiru Garba, said the party was concerned that the APC had focused on celebrating a political appointment instead of drawing attention to the suffering of residents.

“While every political party has the constitutional right to organise political activities, the African Democratic Congress finds the timing and priorities of this particular celebration deeply troubling, considering the painful realities confronting the people of Zamfara State,” the party stated.

The ADC said communities across the state continued to face the consequences of banditry, including the loss of lives and livelihoods.

“The APC chose to mobilise people for a political celebration rather than use the occasion to draw national attention to the suffering of the people of Zamfara. Where is the compassion for the victims?” it added.

The party also questioned the absence of a stronger national response to families affected by the violence, saying, “Where is the national outrage for the families that have lost fathers, mothers, sons and daughters?”

It further asked where the support was for women and children forced to leave their homes and for residents whose livelihoods had been destroyed by insecurity.

According to the ADC, political leaders should prioritise the welfare and safety of citizens over appointments and campaign activities.

It also said the event should have included a moment to honour victims of bandit attacks and show sympathy to affected families.

The ADC challenged the APC to explain what the Federal Government was doing to permanently end insecurity in Zamfara.