Political tension is rising in Zamfara State following strong allegations by senatorial aspirant, Sani Shinkafi, who warned that any attempt to manipulate the APC primary elections could trigger serious political unrest in the state.
Speaking with journalists after undergoing screening before members of the APC Screening Committee, Shinkafi formally declared his ambition to contest for the Zamfara North Senatorial seat, presenting himself as a strong advocate for internal democracy and fair political participation.
“I don’t believe in consensus. I believe in direct primaries,” Shinkafi declared. “No amount of harassment, threats, or money politics will stop me from contesting.”
The aspirant accused unnamed powerful interests within the ruling All Progressives Congress of plotting to undermine the democratic process through the imposition of preferred candidates ahead of the party primaries.
In a particularly strong accusation, Shinkafi alleged that a serving Minister of State for Defence was attempting to influence the political process in Zamfara using the powers of office.
“He wants to impose chaos and anarchy on Zamfara politics,” he alleged. “We will never allow that to happen. Any attempt to silence genuine aspirants will be heavily resisted.”
His comments have intensified conversations around growing internal divisions within the APC in Zamfara State, especially as political stakeholders prepare for upcoming elections.
Shinkafi also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee to ensure that democratic principles are upheld during the party’s primary process.
“This is no longer politics as usual,” he said. “This is a fight against political slavery, marginalization, and oppression.”
The senatorial hopeful further argued that several communities in Zamfara North had suffered decades of political exclusion since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
“For 28 years, some areas have never tasted representation in the Senate,” he stated. “This is the time to break the chains. This is the beginning of a new Zamfara.”
Although he commended aspects of the APC screening and nomination process as relatively transparent, Shinkafi maintained that the credibility of the primaries would ultimately determine public confidence in the party’s democratic structure.
Political observers say the development signals a potentially fierce battle for influence within the APC in Zamfara, with growing concerns that unresolved internal disputes could deepen tensions ahead of the elections.
