Terrorist Kingpin Bello Turji Fake APC Membership Card Sparks Controversy, Party Denies Claim.
Nigeria News
A controversy erupted in Nigeria this week after photos of an All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card bearing the name and picture of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji circulated widely online, prompting public concern and debate over the authenticity of the document.
Bello Turji, widely known for leading armed criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings, killings, and widespread insecurity in Zamfara State and parts of north-western Nigeria, was featured on what appeared to be an official APC membership card shared across social media platforms.
However, the APC has strongly denied any link between Turji and the party, labeling the membership card as a forgery and a deliberate attempt by unknown actors to mislead the public and undermine the party’s image.
In an official statement, Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said the document circulating online is fake and bears no connection to the APC’s official membership register or database. He highlighted several glaring inconsistencies on the card, including false registration details and references to a non-existent “Ward 13” in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, which only has 10 wards.
Morka described the circulation of the fabricated document as the work of “mischief makers” with the intention of confusing and deceiving members of the public. He urged both party supporters and the general public to disregard the fake slip in its entirety.
APC’s Local Chapter Responds
The Zamfara State chapter of the APC also distanced itself from any association with Turji. Party officials there echoed the national office’s position that the card is a deliberate forgery designed to damage the credibility of the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.
According to the local statement, preliminary inquiries suggest the forged card may have been circulated by individuals unhappy with the progress of the registration exercise, although no official names have been publicly confirmed.
Public Reaction and Wider Context
The incident has ignited discussion on social media and beyond about misinformation and political manipulation in Nigeria, particularly at a time when political tensions are rising ahead of the 2027 general elections. Critics have warned that circulating false claims linking violent non-state actors to political parties can deepen public distrust in democratic processes.
Despite the uproar, party leaders have reiterated their commitment to the integrity of the registration process and have promised to work with security agencies to investigate those responsible for fabricating and sharing the fake document.
