A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirant for the Zamfara North Senatorial District, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) publication of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u as the party’s candidate for the district. Shinkafi stated that the Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara state, had nullified the APC primary election held on May 19, 2026.
The court, in its judgment delivered on August 31, 2026, ordered the APC to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 days and instructed INEC to accept the outcome of the fresh primary election. Shinkafi noted that INEC had been duly served with a certified true copy of the court order for compliance. He described it as inappropriate, unfair, and unjust for INEC to disregard the clear order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Shinkafi emphasized that INEC, as the electoral umpire, should safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, including the nomination processes of political parties. Disobeying a court order in a matter where the commission was a party and fully represented would erode public confidence in the electoral system, he added.
Shinkafi recalled that the Supreme Court had, in previous general elections, nullified APC primary elections and, in some cases, awarded victory to the political party that came second in the polls. He cited examples of such instances in governorship elections, highlighting the importance of adhering to court orders.
Shinkafi urged INEC to immediately withdraw and suspend the publication of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u as the APC candidate pending the final determination of the matter by the appellate courts or the conduct of the fresh primary election ordered by the court. He emphasized that this step would help preserve the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The development has sparked concerns about the credibility of the electoral process in Zamfara state, with many stakeholders calling for INEC to respect the court's order and ensure a fair and transparent process. The APC primary election was initially held on May 19, 2026, but was nullified by the court, leading to the current impasse.
The situation remains uncertain, with the fate of the Zamfara North Senatorial District election hanging in the balance. Key stakeholders, including INEC and the APC, are expected to take a decisive stance on the matter in the coming days.
Key points
- Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi expressed concerns over INEC's publication of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya'u as the APC candidate for Zamfara North Senatorial District despite a court order for a fresh primary election.
- The Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara state, nullified the APC primary election held on May 19, 2026, and ordered a fresh primary election within 14 days.
- Shinkafi urged INEC to withdraw and suspend the publication of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya'u as the APC candidate pending the final determination of the matter by the appellate courts or the conduct of the fresh primary election.
