Zamfara APC Senatorial primaries: Shinkafi vows to challenge process in court

By Idris Salisu, Gusau

Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, the All Progressive Congress (APC) aspirant for Zamfara North senatorial seat, announced that he would take legal action after being excluded from the party’s primary election.

Shinkafi expressed concern that the exclusion of cleared aspirants and the affirmation of anointed candidates constituted “political banditry” in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Gusau on Tuesday, Shinkafi described the process as an “imposition of candidates and political banditry.” He alleged that Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, arrived in Zamfara on a private jet with past and present governors to enforce the directive.

According to Shinkafi, Matawalle and the governors told aspirants that President Bola Tinubu had ordered all senatorial aspirants to withdraw in favour of serving senators ahead of the primaries scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

“This undemocratic order, if actually made by Mr President, does not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,” Shinkafi said.

The aspirant cited Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to hold primaries for all elective positions through direct primaries or consensus, with the process monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He also referenced recent statements by President Tinubu and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda that the party would avoid imposition and opt for direct primaries where consensus fails.

Shinkafi said he was never consulted, did not withdraw from the race, and did not submit any letter of resignation.

He urged his supporters in Zamfara North to boycott the affirmation exercise, alleging that political thugs had been mobilised to disrupt the primaries.

“As a democrat and law‑abiding citizen, I will not participate in any electoral process that is not in compliance with the provisions of the law. All my supporters should remain calm and stay at home,” he stated.

Shinkafi vowed to challenge his exclusion in court, saying, “This injustice shall not stand. I will challenge my unlawful exclusion from Zamfara North Senatorial Primary in Court.”

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