Zamfara group reaffirms loyalty to Senator Marafa
Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau
A political group loyal to Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa has reaffirmed its allegiance to the former lawmaker, vowing to continue promoting his political ideals across Zamfara State.
The group, operating under the banner of the Senator Marafa Political Group and led by Surajo Garba Maikatako, made the declaration during a meeting held in Gusau, the state capital, on Friday. The gathering followed what the group described as “unguarded statements” credited to the Zamfara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tukur Danfulani Maikatako, against Senator Marafa.
Speaking at the meeting, Surajo Maikatako described Senator Marafa as a politician with an unrivalled political structure in the state, insisting that he had never committed any political offence in his long career. He said the group would remain loyal to Marafa because of his “steadfast struggles in protecting the interests of his people.”
Maikatako warned that attacks on Senator Marafa would only further weaken the APC in the state, arguing that the Marafa political camp remains the strongest in Zamfara, with influence across the state’s 147 wards and 14 local government areas.
He also recalled that former governor Bello Matawalle emerged in the 2019 governorship election with the backing of Senator Marafa and his supporters, stressing that Marafa’s political base played a decisive role in that victory.
According to Maikatako, the group claims a following of about 410,000 supporters, with over 315,000 registered voters who, he said, traditionally await directives from the group on electoral choices. He described the group as a major political force and a key determinant in electoral outcomes in the state.
“As 2027 approaches, our group remains intact across the 14 local government areas, waiting for Senator Kabiru Marafa to give direction on the next political steps,” he said, adding that the group would neither abandon Marafa nor be abandoned by him.
Maikatako further urged the people of Zamfara to make effective use of their votes, describing voting as a crucial tool for shaping the state’s political future.