Former Zamfara State Governor and current Senator [Abdul’aziz Yari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdulaziz_Yari) has publicly rejected claims that he is financially supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi for the 2027 election, describing the allegations as a smear campaign by political opponents.
In a statement released on Saturday, former APGA national secretary and Zamfara North senatorial aspirant Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi asserted that the accusation is part of a broader effort to tarnish Yari’s reputation after his appointment as Director‑General of President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu)’s Presidential Campaign Council.
**What did Shinkafi claim about the alleged sponsorship?**
He called the charge “mischievous, false, hand‑work of mischief makers and political adversaries of the former governor.” Shinkafi added that Bilyaminu is a cousin of Yari’s wife, but family ties do not equate to political patronage. He noted that the ADC candidate had previously sought the APC ticket for the Zamfara North senatorial district but was rejected by the party’s screening committee before defecting to the ADC.
**Are there links between Yari and the suspended lawmakers?**
Shinkafi also dismissed reports linking Yari to eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, stating categorically that they are not his political allies. The lawmakers were suspended on 26 February 2024 over accusations of gross misconduct, contempt of the House, unauthorised sittings, forced entry into legislative offices and damage to public property. Five of the eight were elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform in 2023, while the remaining three won their seats under the APC banner.
**What is the status of the dispute involving the suspended legislators?**
The controversy persisted after Governor Dauda Lawal switched from the PDP to the APC in March 2026. The suspended members appealed to the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions over their prolonged suspension and the withholding of salaries and allowances. According to Shinkafi, Yari provided financial assistance to the affected lawmakers and continued to mediate for a resolution, though the issue remains unsettled.
Shinkafi concluded by urging Nigerians to ignore the allegations, affirming that Yari remains fully committed to President Tinubu’s re‑election bid in 2027.