Former senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019, has collected the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression‑of‑interest and nomination forms for a Senate comeback in the 2027 elections.
Sani obtained the forms in Kaduna State on Tuesday, ahead of the party’s scheduled primary elections. The 58‑year‑old human‑rights activist and former lawmaker is expected to contest the APC primary for the Kaduna Central seat, a constituency he previously won on the APC ticket in the 2015 general election.
The APC has announced that its primary elections will commence on 15 May 2026, beginning with contests for the House of Representatives before moving to senatorial primaries. Sani’s entry into the race adds a high‑profile contender with a proven grassroots following and a national reputation for advocacy on civil‑rights issues.
Sani’s political career began with his election to the Senate in 2015, where he served a single term before losing his seat in the 2019 elections. Since then, he has remained active in public discourse, frequently commenting on governance, human rights, and anti‑corruption matters. His decision to seek a return to the upper chamber reflects both personal ambition and the APC’s broader strategy to field experienced candidates in key northern districts.
Kaduna Central is a pivotal battleground in the state’s political landscape. The district’s electorate is demographically diverse, encompassing urban, semi‑urban, and rural communities. Historically, the APC has performed strongly in the area, but internal party dynamics and the emergence of new candidates could influence the outcome of the forthcoming primaries.
Political analysts note that Sani’s candidacy may reshape the intra‑party contest, given his ability to mobilise supporters through social media and his track record of outspoken advocacy. The APC’s primary timetable provides a compressed window for aspirants to campaign, secure delegate support, and navigate the party’s vetting procedures.
The upcoming primaries will also serve as an early indicator of the APC’s electoral positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, where control of the Senate remains a contested prize among Nigeria’s major parties. Sani’s participation underscores the party’s reliance on seasoned politicians to bolster its legislative slate.
Stakeholders, including party officials, fellow aspirants, and voters in Kaduna Central, will monitor the primary process closely. The results will determine whether Sani re‑enters the Senate and how the APC structures its candidate slate for the 2027 election cycle.
