Party disowns forged APC card allegedly bearing Bello Turji’s details, blames political mischief as security agencies launch probe.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has been dragged into an embarrassing political storm following the circulation of a forged party membership card allegedly issued to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

The controversial card, which surfaced online and shows Turji dressed in a military-style outfit, triggered widespread outrage and speculation, with many questioning the credibility of the ruling party and the integrity of its ongoing membership e-registration exercise.

Reacting swiftly, the APC dismissed the card as fake and described it as a calculated attempt to smear the party. The state party spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, said the document was a “mischievous fabrication” allegedly orchestrated by political opponents to undermine the credibility of the registration process.

According to Idris, glaring inconsistencies on the card expose it as a forgery. He explained that the date code and identification number printed on the card correspond to Niger State, not Zamfara, making it impossible for the card to have originated from the state’s APC register.

Despite the party’s denial, the development has continued to generate public unease. Many residents and social media users questioned how such a provocative forgery could emerge at a sensitive time, with some alleging internal sabotage while others blamed desperate political rivals seeking attention.

Preliminary findings have reportedly traced the origin of the card to Babangida Aliyu Shinkafi, popularly known as Waziri, an associate of Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi. Sani Shinkafi was recently suspended from participating in the APC’s e-registration exercise over alleged irregularities. The forged card was said to have first appeared on Waziri’s Facebook page before spreading widely.

Idris further stressed that Turji, who is wanted by security agencies, could not have been registered under any circumstance, noting that a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for APC membership registration. He urged the public to disregard the viral card and avoid amplifying false information.

The APC spokesman confirmed that security agencies have commenced investigations into the incident and assured that those found responsible would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Political analysts say the controversy underscores the growing vulnerabilities of political processes in the digital era, where fake documents and misinformation can spread rapidly, fueling distrust and raising persistent questions about party vetting and internal controls.

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