A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has announced his intention to run for governor of Zamfara State in the 2027 election. The declaration was made in Gusau, the state capital, where Shinkafi addressed a gathering of supporters. As a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Shinkafi emphasized that the era of imposing candidates within the APC is over, and all party members have equal rights to seek elective positions.

Shinkafi, who is a qualified member of the APC, stated that he has the right to contest the primary election for any position in the party. He highlighted the dominance of the Zamfara West Senatorial Zone in the state’s leadership since 1999, noting that other zones have been marginalized. The zone has produced leaders such as former Governor Ahmed Sani Yarima, who governed for eight years and later spent 12 years in the Senate, as well as Abdulaziz Yari, who ruled for eight years, and Bello Matawalle, who governed for four years.

Shinkafi argued that Zamfara North, which produced Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi for only four years, deserves a chance in 2027. However, another APC chieftain, Aminu Muhammad Kaura, has expressed support for Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as the preferred APC governorship candidate in 2027. Kaura stated that many stakeholders and supporters are already backing Matawalle, describing him as a unifying figure within the party.

The declaration by Shinkafi and the endorsement of Matawalle by Kaura set the stage for a potentially competitive governorship election in Zamfara State. The APC will need to navigate its internal dynamics to select a candidate who can unite the party and appeal to the broader electorate. As the 2027 election approaches, the party’s ability to manage its internal processes and present a strong candidate will be crucial in determining its chances of success. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the state’s governance and development, making the upcoming contest a critical event to watch.