A prominent political figure in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has voiced strong objections regarding the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections within the state. Shinkafi, a former candidate for the governorship position, specifically accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of undermining democratic processes and jeopardizing the party’s prospects in the upcoming general election.
Shinkafi noted that President Bola Tinubu previously emphasized the APC’s commitment to democratic principles and adherence to the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines proper procedures for candidate nomination. He also referenced statements from the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, advocating for direct primaries in cases where consensus cannot be reached, to avoid candidate imposition that could harm the party’s electoral success.
The political aspirant expressed dismay over Matawalle’s arrival in Zamfara, accompanied by current and former governors, claiming a presidential directive requiring all Senate aspirants to step down for incumbents. According to Shinkafi, this directive was issued without any prior consultation or meeting, contradicting earlier assurances from party leaders. He argued that such an order, if genuine, violates the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Shinkafi warned that the current economic difficulties, ongoing insecurity in Zamfara, and what he described as the undemocratic conduct of Bello Matawalle could negatively impact the APC in the general election. He called for strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the APC’s own constitution, emphasizing that Nigeria should be governed by the rule of law rather than the rule of might.
Drawing parallels to the 2019 elections, Shinkafi recalled that the APC lost all its seats in Zamfara after the Supreme Court invalidated the party’s primaries due to internal disputes and candidate imposition. He labeled the current situation as political banditry, with Matawalle as the ringleader. Consequently, he instructed his supporters in the Zamfara North Senatorial District to boycott the primary process, accusing Matawalle of mobilizing thugs to disrupt the election.
Shinkafi reiterated that he was never consulted about any consensus arrangement, did not withdraw from the race, and will challenge his exclusion through the courts. He declared that this injustice must not prevail.