By Idris Salisu, Gusau
For his exclusion to clear off in the Senatorial Primary, the Zamfara North Senatorial aspirant of All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, vowed to challenge the process in court.
Shinkafi, raised concerned over excluding cleared aspirants and opted for the affirmation of anointed candidates, describing the move as political banditry in the state.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Gusau on Tuesday, Dr Shinkafi described the process as “imposition of candidates and political banditry, alleging that Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, arrived in Zamfara with a private jet alongside past and present governors to enforce the directive.
According to Shinkafi, Matawalle and the governors told aspirants that President Bola Tinubu had ordered all senatorial aspirants to withdraw for serving senators ahead of primaries scheduled for today Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
“This undemocratic order, if actually made by Mr President, does not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,” Shinkafi said.
The aspirant cited Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to hold primaries for all elective positions through direct primaries or consensus, with the process monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also referenced recent statements by President Tinubu and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda that the party would avoid imposition and opt for direct primaries where consensus fails.
Shinkafi said he was never consulted, did not withdraw from the race, and did not submit any letter stepping down.
He directed his supporters in Zamfara North to boycott the affirmation exercise, alleging that political thugs had been mobilised to disrupt the primaries.
“As a democrat and law-abiding citizen, I will not participate in any electoral process that is not in compliance with the provisions of the law. All my supporters should remain calm and stay at home,” he stated.
He vowed to challenge his exclusion in court, saying, “This injustice shall not stand. I will challenge my unlawful exclusion from Zamfara North Senatorial Primary in Court.”
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