Former Zamfara Gov Candidate Shinkafi Eyes Senate Seat in 2027

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Former governorship candidate, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has declared his ambition to contest for the Zamfara North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, as he received more than 1,000 supporters of the All Progressives Congress who defected to his camp.

Shinkafi, popularly known as Wannan Shinkafi, made the declaration on Sunday at his residence in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, shortly after purchasing his nomination form.

The former All Progressives Grand Alliance governorship candidate in the 2023 elections said his decision to join the senatorial race followed persistent calls from stakeholders and residents of the zone.

According to him, the move is aimed at consolidating his relationship with the people and addressing challenges confronting the district.

He lamented that Zamfara North had suffered neglect over the years, particularly in the area of insecurity, which he said had severe socio-economic consequences for residents.

Shinkafi pledged that if elected into the Senate, he would work with colleagues to sponsor bills and motions that would attract federal government intervention to the area, especially in tackling insecurity and promoting development.

“With me at the National Assembly, I will do everything possible to address insecurity and bring meaningful development to Zamfara North and the state at large,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, group leader Hon. Abdullahi Zurmi said their decision to support Shinkafi was based on confidence in his leadership capacity.

He described the aspirant as committed to the welfare of the people and capable of defending their interests.

Zurmi also pledged the group’s loyalty and assured of mobilising support across the senatorial district to ensure Shinkafi’s victory in the elections.

He expressed optimism that Shinkafi’s representation would advance the interests of Zamfara North and the wider North-West region.

The defection of the APC supporters is seen as a significant boost to Shinkafi’s senatorial aspiration ahead of the 2027 polls.