The council, which is the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Zamfara, made the position known on Monday, August 4, 2026, following an emergency meeting and wide consultations with political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community leaders across the fourteen Local Government Areas of the state.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman, Hon. Sulaiman Salisu, and the Public Relations Officer, Hon. Kabiru Garba, IPAC said the purpose of the engagement was to take stock of the situation in Zamfara and to speak on behalf of citizens who continue to bear the brunt of violence, poverty, and what it called uneven development.
The council noted that its role as a political stakeholder group is to promote democratic governance, accountability, transparency, and the protection of the welfare of the people. Based on that mandate, IPAC said it could no longer keep quiet in the face of growing hardship in communities.
A major part of the council’s concern centered on security. According to IPAC, banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on innocent communities have continued without let up. Villages across several local government areas are said to be experiencing frequent raids that result in loss of lives, displacement of families, and destruction of farms and businesses. The council observed that the violence has forced many people to abandon their homes and means of livelihood, with rural populations becoming the most affected.
The statement further noted that the persistent insecurity is not only taking lives but also undermining farming, trade, and education. With roads unsafe and markets disrupted, economic activity has slowed down considerably in many parts of the state.
On agriculture, IPAC said the timing could not be worse. The state is in the middle of the farming season, yet many farmers have not received the support they need to produce optimally. The council observed that essential inputs such as fertilizers, improved seedlings, and other farming materials have not reached a large number of farmers. This, IPAC warned, poses a direct threat to food production and food security in Zamfara. The council expressed concern that if urgent steps are not taken, the state could face more hunger and higher food prices in the coming months.
The advisory council also raised questions about public expenditure and the management of state resources. It said there is growing public anxiety over the reported high cost of road construction and other capital projects being undertaken by government. IPAC called for greater transparency and accountability in the award and execution of contracts, stressing that citizens deserve to see value for money. It argued that in a time of scarce resources and competing needs, every naira spent must deliver tangible benefits to the people.
Another issue highlighted by the council is the pattern of development in the state. IPAC observed that most infrastructure and government projects appear concentrated in Gusau, the state capital, while many rural communities continue to be neglected. The council said this imbalance has created widespread dissatisfaction among citizens who feel left out of government programs. It urged that development be spread more evenly so that people in remote areas can also feel the impact of governance.
Economic hardship was also a key point in the IPAC assessment. Despite statutory allocations from the Federation Account and support from development partners, the council said many residents of Zamfara continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and multiple forms of taxation. Small businesses are finding it difficult to survive, youths are without jobs, and families are finding it hard to meet basic needs. IPAC said the situation calls for urgent economic interventions that will create jobs, support businesses, and ease the burden on households.
The council further expressed concern over what it called the underutilization of indigenous human resources. It noted that Zamfara has many qualified professionals who could contribute meaningfully to governance and development, yet they are not being adequately engaged in key appointments and initiatives. IPAC argued that tapping into local expertise would not only improve service delivery but also give citizens a sense of inclusion and ownership in government.
IPAC did not limit its observations to the state government alone. The council also spoke on the role of the federal government and the state’s representatives at the National Assembly. It said Zamfara appears not to be receiving adequate federal attention in terms of security and development. The statement described the situation as painful, especially given that some of the most influential political figures from the region are in positions of authority at the national level.
The council specifically mentioned Senator Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, describing him as one of the most influential senators from the Northern region, and expressed disappointment that the security and governance challenges in Zamfara have continued without stronger questioning or intervention from such quarters. IPAC also noted that the presence of a State Minister of Defence from Zamfara has not translated into any visible improvement in the security situation on the ground.
In light of these concerns, IPAC called on members of the National Assembly representing Zamfara to do more to advocate for the interests of their constituents. The council urged lawmakers to push for policies, projects, and resources that will directly address security, education, health, agriculture, and job creation in the state.
To address the challenges, IPAC made a series of appeals. It called on His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, to take urgent and practical steps to strengthen security across the state. The council said the government must work closely with security agencies to protect communities, especially those in rural areas that are frequently targeted. It also asked the governor to ensure timely delivery of agricultural inputs to farmers so that the current planting season does not go to waste.
On development, IPAC urged the state government to ensure equitable distribution of projects across all fourteen local government areas. The council said infrastructure, social services, and economic programs should reach beyond Gusau metropolis so that citizens in every part of the state can benefit. It also asked for measures to improve the general welfare of the people, including job creation and support for small businesses.
The federal government was not left out. IPAC appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to give Zamfara priority attention through enhanced security operations and accelerated development interventions. The council said the scale of banditry and its impact on lives and livelihoods require a coordinated national response with adequate resources and political will.
Traditional rulers, civil society organizations, development partners, and ordinary citizens were also urged to continue promoting peaceful coexistence. IPAC encouraged all stakeholders to demand transparency and accountability through lawful and democratic means, and to support efforts aimed at rebuilding trust between government and the people.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government at all levels. It said IPAC Zamfara will continue to monitor developments, engage stakeholders, and advocate for policies that promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and the overall well-being of the people of Zamfara.
The press release concluded with a call for unity and resilience among Zamfara citizens. The council expressed hope that with collective effort and the right leadership decisions, the state can overcome its current challenges and return to a path of peace and prosperity.
“Long Live IPAC! Long Live Zamfara State! Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” the statement read.
For media inquiries, the council directed the public to the IPAC Secretariat in Gusau.
