By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has petitioned the Ind...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission over what he described as the unlawful publication of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u as the party’s candidate for Zamfara North Senatorial District.
Shinkafi said in a letter dated September 18, 2026 that INEC went ahead to publish Ya’u’s name despite a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Gusau which nullified the APC primary and ordered a fresh exercise.
The judgment was delivered on August 31, 2026 by Justice Hassan Dikko of the Federal High Court, Gusau Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/6/2026.
The court set aside the primary election purportedly held on May 19, 2026, ruling that it was conducted in fundamental breach of the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution and guidelines.
Specifically, the court ordered the APC to conduct a fresh primary election for all cleared aspirants within 14 days of the judgment, and directed INEC to accept and publish the name of whoever validly emerges from that process.
Through his lawyers, YAS Law Firm, Shinkafi wrote to the INEC Chairman at Plot 436, Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, demanding an immediate withdrawal of Ya’u’s name from the commission’s list.
In the letter signed by S.Y. Aliyu Esq, the lawyers argued that publishing any candidate’s name before a fresh primary or before the exhaustion of appellate processes undermines the judiciary and violates established electoral jurisprudence.
Shinkafi described INEC’s action as inappropriate, unfair and an assault on Nigeria’s emerging democracy, saying the commission cannot afford to act in defiance of a court of competent jurisdiction.
He recalled that the Supreme Court had in previous general elections nullified APC primaries for non-compliance and awarded victories to parties that came second, including in governorship contests.
“As the electoral umpire, INEC should safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, including political parties’ nomination processes,” the letter stated.
The legal notice listed eight specific orders made by the court, including a perpetual injunction restraining the APC, INEC and Senator Ya’u from further breach of constitutional and statutory provisions.
The court also held that the actions of the APC and Ya’u were inconsistent with internal democracy, and that due process was not followed in the May 19 exercise.
Shinkafi’s team attached the certified true copy of the judgment and INEC’s publication to the letter, urging the commission to stay action pending either a fresh primary or the final determination of any appeal.
With the 14-day window for a fresh primary already running from August 31, the lawyer said the only lawful step now is for the APC to conduct the court-ordered exercise and for INEC to deal with its outcome.
The development has heightened tension in Zamfara North, where party stakeholders have been divided over the legitimacy of the May primary and the identity of the rightful flag bearer.
Shinkafi, who is also an aspirant for the seat, said he remains committed to due process and to preserving the rule of law within the APC.
He called on INEC to immediately withdraw the current publication to avoid dragging the commission into contempt and to protect public confidence in the electoral system.
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