The political landscape of Zamfara North senatorial district is intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the official move by prominent APC chieftain Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi to contest the Senate seat. Shinkafi, who previously vied for the governorship of Zamfara State, has obtained the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue his senatorial ambition.
According to Shinkafi, the people of Zamfara North have experienced inadequate and ineffective representation in the Senate since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. He lamented that this has prevented the constituency from enjoying the full benefits of democratic governance. Shinkafi further pointed out that the Senate position has been consistently held by individuals from a single local government area within the district, marginalizing other areas and denying them the chance to produce a senator—unlike what obtains in other senatorial zones.
There is growing clamor from constituents for the senatorial slot to be rotated to Shinkafi Local Government, in the spirit of justice, fairness, equity, and inclusivity. Many believe this shift would promote unity, peace, and development across Zamfara North, which they argue has suffered long-term marginalization under successive administrations.
Bringing decades of political experience to the table, Shinkafi has served in various high-profile roles including Patron of the Tinubu–Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in 2023, National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Secretary of the APGA Board of Trustees, Deputy Chairman of the Matawalle Governorship Campaign Council in Zamfara State for the 2023 elections, and currently as Executive Secretary of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development. He is confident that his background in both national and state politics will enable him to transform the senatorial zone.
Shinkafi also expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects in Zamfara State, describing it as a stronghold of the party. He predicted that the APC would sweep all elective positions in the state and secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, just as it did in the 2023 polls.