Senator Sahabi Ya'u Kaura has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) rerun senatorial primary for Zamfara North, securing 49,176 votes. This significant win puts him in a strong position to secure the APC ticket for the Zamfara North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. His closest challenger, Alhaji Tijjani Yahaya, garnered 9,628 votes, while Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi secured 2,602 votes.
The Chairman of the APC Senatorial Primary Election Committee, Dr Auwal Abdullahi Aliyu, announced the results in Gusau on Monday night. According to Aliyu, Ya'u met the party's constitutional requirements and guidelines for the primary election, thereby declaring him the winner. This commanding lead over the two other aspirants in the rerun exercise signifies a major victory for the incumbent senator.
However, the outcome has reignited criticism of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, among some APC supporters. They accuse Yari's leadership approach of worsening internal divisions and deepening the political crisis within the Zamfara APC. Some party members argue that the party needs a more inclusive leadership structure anchored on unity, accountability, and collective interest rather than personal political ambitions.
The supporters believe that resolving these divisions will be crucial to strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Ya'u's emphatic victory has added a new dimension to the party's internal political contest, with attention now turning to efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and consolidate the party's position in the state. This development may impact the party's performance in the upcoming general elections.
Ya'u's victory demonstrates his strong support within the party, which could enhance his chances of winning the senatorial seat. The APC will look to capitalize on this momentum to improve its presence in Zamfara State. The party's ability to maintain unity and project a strong front will be vital in the face of growing competition from other political parties.
The rerun primary was necessary due to issues that arose during the initial primary election process. The APC had to re-conduct the primary to ensure that the process was free, fair, and transparent. With Ya'u's victory, the party can now focus on preparing for the general elections and building a strong campaign strategy.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Senator Sahabi Ya'u Kaura's victory in the Zamfara North APC senatorial primary rerun sets the stage for a competitive and potentially transformative electoral process in the state. The APC will seek to build on this momentum, while other parties will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in the party's structure.
Key points
- Senator Sahabi Ya'u Kaura won the APC rerun senatorial primary for Zamfara North with 49,176 votes.
- The victory puts Ya'u in a strong position to secure the APC ticket for the Zamfara North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The outcome has reignited criticism of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, among some APC supporters over his handling of the party's affairs.