Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former governorship candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, has called for all aspirants to undergo a popularity test through credible and valid primaries ahead of the 2027 general election. He argues that this approach will help the party avoid the mistakes that led to its defeats in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Shinkafi’s position aligns with the resolutions adopted at the APC stakeholders meeting chaired by former Governor Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari on November 1, 2025. The meeting unanimously agreed that no candidates would be imposed and that every aspirant must secure support from party members and the electorate.
The party is expected to conduct its primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and the APC’s own electoral rules. Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires political parties to hold primaries for all elective positions, and these will be monitored by the commission. Consensus options will only be considered if all cleared aspirants voluntarily withdraw and endorse a consensus candidate in writing.
Shinkafi urged the APC to adhere to 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 also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. This emphasis on credible primaries responds to the internal wranglings that plagued the party before the 2019 election, when the Supreme Court voided the APC’s results and declared PDP candidate Bello Matawalle the winner.
By insisting that every aspirant, regardless of status, test their popularity at the primaries, Shinkafi seeks to change the party’s narrative and reposition it for future elections. Prioritizing internal democracy and credible primaries is intended to build a stronger, more united APC and to secure a better outcome for Zamfara State in the 2027 general election.
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