A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi, has declared his willingness to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the party.

The former APGA national secretary disclosed this while addressing his teeming supporters in Gusau, the state capital.

Shinkafi explained that the era of imposing candidates within the APC is over, saying that nobody can intimidate him due to his position.

“I am a qualified member of APC and I have the right to contest the primary election of any position in the party,” he added.

“Former Governor Ahmed Sani Yarima is from Zamfara West, governed the state for eight years and went to the Senate for 12 years, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari also governed the state for eight years, and Matawalle governed the state for four years”, he said.

“All these people are from Zamfara West, meaning that the zone has so far governed the state for 20 years.
“Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi from Zamfara North governed the state for only four years. The Zamfara West is marginalising other zones in the state.”

He said that he will contest the primary election of the APC against any other candidate, stating that the party is nobody’s birthright.

“We all have equal rights in the APC, and as a result of that, I am unshakable,” he said.

However, his faction of the APC, the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term on the party’s platform.

According to Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi, all members and supporters of the APC in Zamfara State have endorsed Tinubu on a consensus basis.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC in Zamfara, Lecturer Aminu Muhammad Kaura, has stated that there is enthusiasm within Zamfara politics, as the people of the state are confirmed to be rallying in support of Hon. Minister Bello Matawalle’s nomination as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections.

According to him, as the APC prepares for the forthcoming general election in 2027, anticipation is high among stakeholders and supporters.

This was contained in a statement issued personally by the APC chieftain in Gusau, the state capital and made available to newsmen.

“They are fervently advocating for the nomination of (Dr.) Bello Muhammad (Matawalle, asserting that this decision is imperative for not only achieving a substantial electoral victory, but also for fostering cohesion among the diverse political actors and communities of Zamfara State”, he said.

“Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who has significantly influenced the political landscape of Zamfara State, served as the governor from 2019 to 2023 and currently holds the position of Hon. Minister of State for Defence.

“His impactful tenure has endeared him to the citizens of Zamfara. With a strong grassroots presence and notable popularity across all 14 local government areas, Matawalle exemplifies the essence of political advancement and effective leadership.

“The steadfast trust that the public places in Dr Matawalle is attributed to his demonstrated humility, approachability, and proactive measures in addressing issues of insecurity.

“His exceptional philanthropic initiatives, commitment to youth empowerment, and emphasis on social and infrastructural development distinguish him as a leader of note. With one constitutional term remaining to fulfil his second tenure, Matawalle’s candidacy is characterised by promise and potential.

“During his governorship, Matawalle transformed youth empowerment and social development within Zamfara State. He appointed numerous young individuals, prominent politicians, and representatives from marginalised backgrounds to important government roles, thereby inspiring hope and generating opportunities within the community.

“No other contender in Zamfara State possesses the political acumen, leadership capabilities, or capacity to unify various factions within the APC to the extent demonstrated by Dr Matawalle. His remarkable aptitude for reconciling party divisions and attracting influential figures from rival parties has significantly enhanced the APC’s stature in the State.