The dispute has already travelled through the judicial system, with both the High Court in Gusau and the Court of Appeal in Sokoto reportedly delivering judgments in favour of Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi. However, following an appeal by Senator Sahabi Ya’u Ƙaura, the matter is now before the Supreme Court, where a final determination is being awaited.
What is particularly disturbing is the manner in which the APC leadership appears to be handling this sensitive matter. Rather than exercising restraint and allowing the judicial process to run its full course, the party has reportedly scheduled another primary election for Monday, 2 November 2026, while the substantive dispute remains pending before the Supreme Court.
This development raises a fundamental question: What is the urgency behind conducting another primary election when the Supreme Court is yet to determine the matter before it?
In any democratic society governed by constitutional principles, the rule of law demands that parties to a dispute respect the judicial process. The APC, as the governing party at the national level, should be particularly conscious of the implications of its actions, especially in matters already before the highest court in the land.
It is therefore difficult to understand the rationale behind the decision to proceed with another primary election at this stage. Such a move could create unnecessary complications, potentially undermine the authority of the judiciary and expose the party to further legal and political difficulties.
More importantly, serious questions must be asked about the advice being offered to the party by its legal department. If the decision to conduct another primary was reached on the recommendation of the party’s legal adviser, then the legal implications of proceeding while the appeal is pending before the Supreme Court deserve closer scrutiny.
The party's legal advisers are expected to protect its institutional interests, anticipate legal consequences and guide its leadership towards decisions that are consistent with the law. They should not encourage actions that could expose the party to avoidable litigation, embarrassment or accusations of disregarding the judicial process.
The APC cannot consistently proclaim its commitment to constitutionalism, internal democracy and the rule of law while appearing to act in a manner that could undermine those very principles. Respect for the courts should not be selective or determined by whose political interests are at stake.
We must also caution against allowing the personal ambitions of a few individuals to override the collective interests of the party and the democratic rights of its members. The APC belongs to its members, not to a handful of political actors who may seek to manipulate its internal processes for personal advantage.
OUR POSITION AND DEMAND
As concerned members of the APC and stakeholders from Zamfara North Senatorial District, we strongly appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee and other relevant party leaders to urgently intervene.
We call on the party leadership to suspend the proposed rerun primary election scheduled for Monday, 2 November 2026, pending appropriate legal clarification and the determination of the issues before the Supreme Court.
This is not a demand for preferential treatment for any aspirant. It is a demand for fairness, institutional responsibility and respect for due process. The party must avoid taking steps that could prejudice the ongoing judicial proceedings or create conflicting legal and political outcomes.
The leadership must also investigate the circumstances surrounding the decision to schedule another primary election and establish whether the party is receiving sound legal advice or being misdirected by individuals pursuing interests that are contrary to its collective good.
At this critical moment, the APC must demonstrate that it is bigger than the ambitions of any individual or faction. Its credibility, unity and electoral prospects must take precedence over personal interests and political manoeuvring.
We therefore urge the President, party leaders and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly and responsibly. The best way to protect the APC from unnecessary controversy is to allow the judicial process to reach its conclusion and ensure that whatever action the party eventually takes is firmly grounded in law.
The APC must not allow itself to be misled into a decision that could undermine its credibility, weaken its internal democracy and compromise its respect for the rule of law. The interest of the party must come before the selfish ambitions of individuals.
~Concerned Zamfara North APC members
