Author: Gist Correspondent

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, is a registered member of the party, describing a membership card circulating online as forged and deliberately fabricated to tarnish the party’s image.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, made the clarification in a statement issued in Gusau on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Idris said the APC had uncovered a doctored membership card bearing the image of Bello Turji, which he described as the handiwork of mischief makers intent on undermining the party, particularly amid the ongoing e-registration of members in the state.

According to him, the alleged forgery is easily detectable, noting that the date on the card carries an unusual emboldened “26,” purportedly referring to January 26, while the photograph used is a widely known image of the bandits’ leader familiar to both security agencies and the general public.

He explained that APC registration procedures require a valid National Identification Number (NIN), which Bello Turji does not possess, making it impossible for him to be lawfully registered as a party member.

Idris further noted that enrollment by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) involves detailed personal information and biometric capture, stressing that no individual could be captured in military attire with a firearm, as seen in the forged card.

He also pointed out discrepancies in the registration code on the card, explaining that the prefix “26” corresponds to Niger State, whereas Zamfara State registration codes begin with “36,” further exposing the document as fake.

The APC spokesman disclosed that preliminary investigations have linked the forged card to Babangida Aliyu Shinkafi (popularly known as Waziri), an associate of Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, who was recently suspended from the e-registration exercise over alleged misconduct. He added that the fake card first surfaced on Shinkafi’s Facebook page.

Idris said the party has completely disowned the purported membership card bearing the registration number “APC 261113000102,” urging the public to disregard it.

He confirmed that the matter has been reported to security agencies for investigation, expressing confidence that those responsible for the forgery would be arrested and prosecuted.

The APC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible registration process and warned against attempts to discredit the party through misinformation and false documentation.