Sokoto state APC affirms candidates in ten of eleven federal constituencies ahead of upcoming elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State carried out affirmation exercises for aspirants in ten of the state’s eleven House of Representatives constituencies on Saturday. The exercises, overseen by the party’s state chairman Haruna Adiya, were part of the APC’s internal process for selecting candidates for the forthcoming general elections.
According to Adiya, only the Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency required a contested primary, with two aspirants slated to compete for the party’s ticket. All other constituencies opted for a consensus‑based affirmation, a method the party has adopted to streamline candidate selection and avoid intra‑party disputes.
Security arrangements were deployed across the state to guarantee a peaceful exercise, including in areas that have experienced security challenges in recent months. No incidents were reported, and party officials said the day proceeded smoothly.
In the Sokoto North/Sokoto South Federal Constituency, incumbent Representative Bala Hassan was unanimously affirmed as the APC candidate. Speaking after the affirmation, Hassan thanked party members for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to represent the constituency’s interests in the national assembly.
Faruk Wurno, chairman of the Election and Affirmation Committee for Sokoto North/Sokoto South, confirmed that the exercise was conducted in full compliance with the APC constitution. He praised delegates and party officials for maintaining order and decorum throughout the process.
The affirmations come as the APC prepares its slate of candidates for the next federal election cycle. By limiting competitive primaries to a single constituency, the party aims to present a united front and mitigate the risk of factionalism that can arise from protracted internal contests.
Stakeholders and observers note that the consensus approach, while intended to foster harmony, may also sideline dissenting voices within the party. Nonetheless, party leadership maintains that the method reflects a collective decision by local structures and aligns with national party guidelines.
The next steps involve formalising the candidates’ nominations and submitting them to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the stipulated timeframe. APC officials indicated that further internal reviews and capacity‑building workshops for candidates are planned ahead of the national campaign.
As Sokoto State’s political landscape readies for the upcoming elections, the smooth conduct of the affirmation exercises underscores the APC’s organisational readiness and its emphasis on security and unity. The outcomes will shape the party’s prospects in the federal legislative contests and could influence broader electoral dynamics in the North‑West region.
