Election Integrity Concerns in Zamfara
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State gubernatorial candidate, has voiced strong opposition to how the All Progressives Congress (APC) handled its recent primary elections. He specifically criticized Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, accusing him of undermining democratic processes and jeopardizing the party’s future in the region.
Shinkafi highlighted that President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda had previously committed to democratic principles, including the use of direct primaries to prevent the imposition of candidates. Despite these promises, Shinkafi claimed that Matawalle arrived in the state with a mandate allegedly from the President, requiring all senatorial aspirants to withdraw in favor of incumbent senators.
Warning of Political Consequences
Shinkafi argued that this move lacks legal standing under the 2026 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution. He warned that the party risks repeating the failures of 2019, when internal disputes and candidate imposition led the Supreme Court to invalidate the party’s victories across the state.
Calling the current situation an act of political banditry, Shinkafi has instructed his supporters in the Zamfara North Senatorial District to boycott the process. He emphasized that he has not withdrawn from the race and intends to challenge his exclusion in court to ensure the party adheres to the rule of law.
