Zamfara North: Why We Must End Senate Seat Marginalisation, Aspirant

From Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau

A senatorial aspirant in Zamfara State Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has called for an end to what he described as the longstanding marginalisation of Zamfara North in the distribution of political offices, demanding greater equity in the rotation of senatorial representation.

The aspirant, who spoke during a media briefing at his residence in Samaru Gusau, argued that Shinkafi, Zurmi and Birnin Magaji including nine political wards in Kaura Namoda of Zamfara North had capable professionals and experienced individuals qualified to represent the district at the National Assembly but had continued to suffer political exclusion.

He said the area had produced medical doctors, consultants, military generals and former ministers, questioning why people from outside the district appeared to enjoy greater opportunities for political representation.

According to him, the situation has deprived many qualified people of the opportunity to contribute to governance and legislation.

“This is the time to end the nonsense of marginalisation. There should be equity and fairness in the sharing of political offices,” he said.

The aspirant particularly appealed to younger people to join the campaign for a more equitable distribution of political positions, arguing that political offices should not be occupied indefinitely by the same individuals.

Dr. Shinkafi also questioned why people in their seventies should continue to occupy positions when younger and capable individuals in their thirties were equally qualified to serve.

He also criticised what he described as prolonged occupation of political and traditional positions, saying there should be opportunities for new people to emerge and contribute to development.

The aspirant said his concern was informed by what he described as an imbalance in the historical distribution of senatorial representation in Zamfara State.

He maintained that, other marginalized parts of Zamfara North deserved a fair opportunity to produce a senator and should not continue to be sidelined in political arrangements.

Beyond the question of representation, he lamented the condition of basic infrastructure in the district, particularly electricity, water supply, healthcare and education.

He said many communities still lacked reliable electricity and potable water, while public hospitals were in poor condition.

The aspirant also expressed concern over the limited number of higher institutions serving the area, arguing that inadequate educational opportunities had affected the prospects of young people.

“With good education, we can change the world. Education is something we must fight for,” he said.

He urged political leaders to prioritise development and ensure that elected representatives were judged by their performance and contributions to their constituencies.

The aspirant said his campaign against marginalisation was informed by the need to secure equal political opportunities for all parts of Zamfara State, particularly Zamfara North.

He called on younger people and other stakeholders to support the demand for equity and a fairer distribution of political offices.