This response came after images surfaced on social media in the last two days, appearing to show an APC membership card with Bello Turji’s name and details. The incident triggered public debate and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the party’s ongoing digital membership registration in Zamfara.
Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party’s Publicity Secretary, released a statement on Tuesday, asserting that the supposed membership card was created by troublemakers aiming to damage the APC’s reputation and disrupt its e-registration efforts. He highlighted clear signs of forgery, such as the use of a widely recognized photo of the bandit leader, familiar to both security forces and the public.
Gusau emphasized that the APC’s digital registration system mandates a valid National Identification Number (NIN) for all applicants, a requirement Bello Turji could not have fulfilled. He added that registration involves biometric verification and proper documentation, making the alleged slip invalid.
Further scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in the registration number on the card, which displayed an ID code linked to Niger State instead of Zamfara. Gusau clarified that Zamfara’s official code starts with “36,” while the forged slip bore “26,” exposing the forgers’ lack of attention to detail.
The APC revealed that initial investigations linked the fake document to a suspended individual previously barred from the e-registration process due to suspicious behavior. The party has reported the incident to security agencies for a full investigation and possible legal action.
The APC called on the public to ignore the fraudulent slip, reiterating its dedication to transparency, proper procedures, and maintaining internal credibility.
