APC Leader Warns Against Candidate Imposition Ahead of 2027 Elections

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Sani Shinkafi, has warned party leaders against imposing candidates for the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for transparent and credible primaries. In a statement issued in Abuja, he urged the party to learn from past mistakes, particularly the crises that undermined its performance in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Shinkafi aligned himself with the resolutions of the APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Talata Mafara on 1 November, which opposed the imposition of candidates in future contests. He emphasized that all aspirants, regardless of their status within the party, must undergo credible primaries so that a popular and widely accepted candidate emerges—an essential factor for the party’s victory in Zamfara.

The former governorship candidate also reminded party leaders of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates that political parties conduct primaries monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission. He noted that consensus is only valid when all cleared aspirants give written consent, as stipulated in Section 84(1) of the Act.

Shinkafi’s warning comes amid a history of internal conflicts within the Zamfara APC over candidate selection. In 2019, the Supreme Court nullified the party’s victories because of invalid primaries, and similar disputes contributed to losses in key positions in 2023. To prevent a repeat of these divisions and electoral setbacks, he advised party stakeholders to reorganize and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

The APC’s internal conflicts have been a significant challenge in Zamfara State, and Shinkafi’s call for transparent, credible primaries is seen as a step toward addressing these issues. As the party prepares for the 2027 general elections, it remains to be seen whether leaders will heed his warning and implement reforms that ensure a more democratic and inclusive candidate‑selection process—an outcome that will be crucial to the party’s chances of success.