APC Challenges PDP to Substantiate Allegations Against Minister, Threatens Legal Action

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West zone has issued a challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, demanding evidence to support allegations against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding the provision of palliatives to bandits. Failure to provide evidence, APC warned, will result in legal action against the accusers.

During a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, the APC North West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mada, emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in politics but cautioned against slanderous attacks that undermine freedom of speech.

Mada accused the PDP-led government in Zamfara of persistently engaging in character assassination against Matawalle, the immediate past governor of the state.

APC asserted that the serious allegations against Matawalle cannot be ignored, asserting that those behind the “fake news” must either substantiate their claims or issue a public apology to the minister.

The statement reads in part: “If no action is taken from the side of the sponsors of this fake news on expiration of the ultimatum, on 14th April 2024, legal action will be instituted against them.”

APC condemned the habit of tarnishing the image of its leaders through unfounded allegations, emphasizing that such actions undermine the integrity of the party and its members.

The statement further reads: “While we welcome positive criticism from the opposition that does not violate the provisions of freedom of speech, we will not condone any form of vituperation that overstepped boundaries of provisions of the laws of the land.

“This grave allegation can never be overlooked, therefore, sponsors must either provide proof of the alleged foodstuff distribution or tender apology to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle in the pages of at least two national dailies within two weeks from now.”