APC Stakeholder in Zamfara Urges Tinubu to Safeguard Credibility of Primaries

By Abdullahi Alhassan

  

Abuja, Nigeria, May 12, 2026(Series News Online)- A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent any form of interference in the forthcoming APC primary elections in the state.

Speaking in Abuja during the party’s screening of aspirants, Shinkafi stressed the need for a transparent and impartial process, warning that any attempt to manipulate the exercise could damage public trust in the party.

Shinkafi, who is seeking the APC ticket for Zamfara North Senatorial District, noted that his constituency had not produced a senator in 28 years despite its significant role in the state’s political and economic life.  

“It is concerning that the Shinkafi area, which has contributed immensely to Zamfara’s development, has not had a senator in nearly three decades,” he said.

He expressed disappointment with the performance of the current occupant of the seat, pointing out that little progress had been recorded under his watch.  

“The present senator, who is over 70 years old, has not delivered meaningful development to the district throughout his tenure,” Shinkafi stated.

Positioning himself as a younger alternative with academic credentials, Shinkafi argued that the district required new leadership with the capacity to deliver tangible results.  

“I am younger, highly qualified, and hold a PhD. Zamfara North deserves fresh and dynamic leadership that can drive real progress for the people,” he said.

The aspirant cautioned against the imposition of candidates, describing it as a move that would alienate voters and destabilize the party’s unity.  

“As an advocate of direct primaries, I believe consensus arrangements will only bring divisions to the party,” he said. “The APC must allow the people to freely choose their representative. Any attempt to impose a candidate will not only fail but will also weaken the unity of our great party,” he declared.

Shinkafi urged the party leadership to uphold democratic norms and ensure that delegates are able to vote without intimidation or undue pressure during the primaries.