By Aminu Dalhatu
The Senatorial aspirant for Zamfara North Senatorial District, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent primary election in the district.
Dr Shinkafi made the call during a news briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the party leadership had handled his concerns over the proposed primary election.
He disclosed that he had sent three text messages to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, after seeing a notice, announcing the schedule of activities for the Zamfara North senatorial primary on social media to be hold on the second of November, 2026.
According to him, he complained about the alleged lack of formal communication to him as an aspirant, the short notice given for the exercise and the security challenges affecting Zamfara North, which he said required adequate preparations and consultations with relevant authorities.
Dr Shinkafi explained that he also urged the national chairman to liaise with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure proper preparations for the exercise.
He, however, expressed displeasure over the national chairman’s response, which he alleged that, directed him to discuss the matter with former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.
The aspirant insisted that, Bello Matawalle had no constitutional or administrative authority within the APC National Working Committee or National Executive Committee to determine the conduct of the party’s primary election in the district.
Dr Shinkafi maintained that his concerned should be addressed directly by the party’s leadership in accordance with the APC constitution and electoral guidelines.
The aspirant further disclosed that during a subsequent telephone conversation with the national chairman, he reiterated his position that, the primary election must comply with the party’s internal guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He said although he had no objection to the conduct of the primary but the process must be transparent and credible, with adequate respect for all aspirants and consideration of the security situation in the district.
Dr Shinkafi stressed that, the party should not rush into conducting the exercise without proper consultation, adequate notice and necessary arrangements to guarantee the safety of participants.
He also maintained that, the ongoing legal proceedings involving the Zamfara North senatorial seat should be given due consideration, noting that, he had been served with the notice of appeal and records of appeal filed by Senator Sahabi Ya’u before the Supreme Court.
He also appealed to Governor Dauda Lawal to remain neutral in the political contest, saying that all aspirants should be given a level playing field.
Similarly, he called on INEC, the APC State Chairman, Kabiru Maoyi Birnin Magaji, and security agencies to maintain neutrality and support a transparent and credible primary election.
He also cautioned against electoral violence, saying although he would not mobilise armed groups or engage in violence, but he would not accept any attempt to undermine the credibility of the primary.
Dr Shinkafi said Zamfara North deserved better representation at the National Assembly, identifying inadequate electricity supply, poor healthcare facilities and limited educational infrastructure as some of the major challenges confronting the district.
