A leaked telephone conversation has linked APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and President Bola Tinubu to efforts aimed at politically protecting former NAPIMS Director Bala Wunti, who is under Senate investigation for allegedly looting N210 trillion. The Hausa-language audio, obtained by SaharaReporters, features a man identified as Mahmoud Dan Larabawa telling Yilwatda that President Tinubu discussed Wunti's case privately four times. Dan Larabawa claimed Tinubu believed the matter would be resolved that month and urged the APC to prepare official documentation for Wunti ahead of his formal party membership.
Yilwatda confirmed Wunti received his APC membership card in January, but Dan Larabawa insisted further arrangements were ongoing, referencing a future political role. The caller asserted Wunti was unmatched in Bauchi State politics, stating, "Nobody is politically stronger than him in Bauchi. It belongs to him," a claim Yilwatda agreed with. Dan Larabawa dismissed rumours of Wunti becoming Minister of Health as distractions, adding the position had brought little political benefit to Bauchi. He also noted Wunti maintained close ties to the First Lady over the ministerial issue, even if not publicly.
The conversation highlighted advanced planning around Wunti's political future, including integration into the APC and potential governorship ambitions. Both men referenced private discussions with Tinubu on Bauchi's political structure, ministerial appointments, and electoral strategies ahead of 2027.
