Senator Kabiru Marafa, former APC chieftain and lawmaker who represented Zamfara Central from 2011 to 2019, has launched a sharp critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s treatment of his political allies. Speaking on Channels Television, Marafa accused Tinubu of exploiting politicians to achieve his goals before abandoning them once those goals are met.
Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Marafa highlighted Tinubu’s rare victories in Zamfara and Jigawa, the only two northwestern states he won. Despite this, Marafa criticised the president’s allocation of federal appointments, revealing that Zamfara received only a minister of state position.
“This was a slap on the face of the state,” Marafa said. “We felt slighted by that position. Regardless of who it is given to, we felt the efforts we put into securing victory for the president deserve a cabinet portfolio for Zamfara State.”
He contrasted this with Lagos, where Tinubu lost the election but the state secured several ministerial slots, and Ogun State, which also received multiple appointments.
Marafa went on to cite how other key supporters of Tinubu, such as Abdullahi Ganduje and Nasir El-Rufai, have also been marginalised since the election. “Looking at the treatment meted out on Abdullahi Ganduje, Nasir El-Rufai and me, we are now convinced that Mr President is a user and dump leader. That is the truth about it,” Marafa declared.
The senator emphasised that his political engagement is rooted in a desire to make a positive impact. “Anybody can call me any name but I am in politics to get position and impact the lives of my people,” he concluded.
