By Chesa Chesa
A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has declared his intention to contest for the Zamfara North Senatorial District seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what he described as decades of poor representation and marginalisation in the zone.
Speaking to journalists after obtaining his nomination form in Abuja on Tuesday, Shinkafi said his entry into the race signals the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Zamfara North.
“I obtained a form to contest for the office of Senator representing Zamfara North Senatorial District in Zamfara State,” he said.
He lamented that since 1999, political power in the district has largely been concentrated in a particular axis, leaving other local government areas sidelined.
“For over two to three decades—from 1999 to 2027—there has been no power shift,” he said.
Shinkafi explained that the senatorial district comprises four local governments—Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda (Ara Namoda), Birnin Magaji, and Zurmi—arguing that some parts of the district have consistently been excluded from representation.
“Out of the four local governments that make up the district, we have felt marginalised,” he stated.
He was critical of the performance of past representatives, accusing them of failing to make meaningful legislative contributions in the National Assembly.
“If you assess the 28 years of representation in the Red Chamber, fewer than 10 bills have been sponsored,” he said, describing the record as inadequate for the development needs of the district.
The senatorial aspirant also faulted previous officeholders for their inability to attract federal government projects to Zamfara North, noting disparities in development compared to other zones in the state.
“Senators representing Zamfara North have not been able to attract any meaningful Federal Government projects to our zone, not even a single one,” he said.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, Shinkafi called for a shift in political power among the constituent local governments and urged constituents to embrace change.
“We are tired of political slavery, and it is time for us to break free from that political captivity,” he declared.
On the mode of primary election, Shinkafi rejected any suggestion of a consensus arrangement, insisting on a transparent and competitive process in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
“As far as I am concerned, I am not ready for consensus. I am not ready to step down,” he said.
He disclosed that about eight aspirants, including the incumbent senator who has reportedly spent 16 years in office, are vying for the ticket, describing the prolonged tenure as unjust.
“This is inequality, injustice, and clear marginalisation. We cannot continue like this,” Shinkafi said, vowing to pursue his ambition through a credible primary process.
