A former governorship candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has emphasized the need for all aspirants to undergo a popularity test through credible and valid primaries for the 2027 general election. This move aims to avoid the mistakes that led to the party’s defeat in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Shinkafi’s stance aligns with the resolutions of the APC stakeholders meeting, chaired by former Governor Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, which took place on November 1, 2025. The meeting unanimously agreed that there would be no imposition of candidates, and all aspirants must garner support from party members and the electorate. The party is expected to conduct primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and the APC’s electoral guidelines.

Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates that political parties must hold primaries for all elective positions, which will be monitored by the commission. Consensus options will only be considered if all cleared aspirants voluntarily withdraw and endorse the consensus candidate in writing. Shinkafi urged the party to adhere to its internal democracy, due process, and the rule of law as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

The Zamfara State APC stakeholders meeting also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. The party’s decision to ensure credible primaries is a response to the internal wranglings that plagued the party ahead of the 2019 general election. The party’s failure to conduct valid primaries led to the Supreme Court voiding and nullifying the elections of APC candidates, resulting in the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Bello Matawalle, being declared the winner.

Shinkafi emphasized the need for the party to change its narrative and reposition itself for future elections. He stated that all aspirants, regardless of their status within the party, must test their popularity at the primaries. This move is seen as an effort to build a stronger and more united party, with the goal of creating a better future for Zamfara State. By prioritizing internal democracy and credible primaries, the APC aims to avoid past mistakes and ensure a more successful outcome in the 2027 general election.