No Godfatherism in 2027: Shinkafi Warns APC in Zamfara as Party Eyes Redemption
APC chieftain Sani Shinkafi warns against godfatherism in Zamfara ahead of 2027, urging credible primaries, rule of law, and party unity
A leading figure in the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Alhaji (Dr.) Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi issued a strong warning to party leaders and powerbrokers ahead of the 2027 general elections: the era of godfatherism and imposed candidates must end.
In a statement he personally signed, Shinkafi declared that only credible, transparent primaries will determine who emerges as the APC’s flagbearers at all levels. He cautioned that ignoring internal democracy again could repeat the costly mistakes of past elections that weakened the party’s dominance in Zamfara.
“All aspirants shall test their popularity at party primaries, notwithstanding their status within the APC family,” - Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi
Shinkafi, a Patron of the Tinubu–Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (2023) and leader of the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front, stressed that every aspirant must submit to the will of the people, not political kingmakers negotiating behind closed doors.
Stakeholders Reject Imposition, Endorse Tinubu for 2027
His remarks reinforced the decisions taken at a major APC stakeholders’ meeting chaired by former Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. The gathering brought together serving and former lawmakers, party elders, former commissioners, chairmen of local governments, and grassroots mobilizers.
The meeting produced two primary resolutions with the rejection of imposition of candidates and full endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. Shinkafi said these decisions reflect a collective commitment to restore trust within the party and ensure electoral credibility.
A Legal and Structural Reset for APC Zamfara
To avoid a repeat of previous self-inflicted defeats, stakeholders insisted that all party primaries must follow the Electoral Act 2022, INEC regulations and the APC electoral guidelines. They noted that the consensus option must apply only if all aspirants voluntarily withdraw and sign legal consent documents.
Shinkafi quoted the Electoral Act to emphasis compliance: “A political party that adopts a consensus candidate shall secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position, indicating their voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of the consensus candidate.”
Lessons From 2019 and 2023: Costly Errors, Preventable Losses
Shinkafi recalled the painful events of 2019 when internal rivalries and illegal primaries led the Supreme Court to nullify all APC victories in Zamfara, a historic political setback that handed power to the opposition PDP.
The party repeated similar structural errors in the 2023 elections, he lamented. Although the APC delivered a comfortable win for President Tinubu in Zamfara, the governorship and legislative polls told a different story.
According to Shinkafi, “Unpopular and unacceptable candidates emerged to fly APC’s flag and were roundly rejected by the electorate who abhor imposition,”. He warned that this pattern of disconnect between leaders and voters will cripple the APC again if not urgently corrected.
Shinkafi Pushes for Unity and Reconciliation
The APC chieftain urged the party to recommit to internal stability, reconciliation, and collective strength. According to him, Zamfara cannot afford to survive the recurring political dysfunction, factional rivalries, and mass defections that weaken the party’s grassroots support.
“It is time to work as a political family and build a better, greater, and prosperous Zamfara State future generations will be proud of,” he noted.
Shinkafi said the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front fully adopts the resolutions of the November 1 meeting, describing them as a restructuring blueprint that will bring order ahead of 2027.
If fully implemented, he believes the APC will bounce back, reclaim lost positions, and reestablish its dominance in Zamfara politics, once a stronghold before internal crises derailed its momentum.
The Road to 2027: APC Must Rebuild Trust at the Grassroots
Political analysts argue that APC’s strength in Zamfara has never been about individual leaders but about a united movement powered by loyal voters. Discontent began when ambitious party actors sidelined this base, choosing candidates in private rooms instead of party congress halls.
Shinkafi is positioning himself among reform-minded figures who want the party to return to due process, respect for the rule of law, fairness for all aspirants and consultation with the grassroots. This, he claims, is the only sustainable path to victory. His warning echoes growing concerns inside the APC that another round of controversial primaries could fragment the party in 2027, a critical election cycle expected to redefine political power in the North-West.
Driving Out Godfather Politics: Voices Rise Across the APC
Across Nigeria, several APC power blocs have amplified similar demands, pushing back against the influence of political kingmakers who have traditionally controlled ticket selection. Shinkafi’s intervention adds weight to that movement, especially in a state where godfatherism historically shaped political outcomes.
His message is clear; no automatic tickets, no pre-arranged “anointment” and no repeat of legal battles that destroy electoral chances
Instead, he insists that the electorate within the party must be allowed to decide through open, democratic contests.
APC Looks Forward - But with Caution
With the APC’s national decision to support Tinubu’s 2027 ambition, Zamfara’s strong mobilization potential becomes even more important for the presidency. To match that expectation, Shinkafi maintains that: “The party’s internal discipline will determine its fortunes in 2027.”
If APC wants to maintain national dominance, local structures needs to be rebuilt and Zamfara is emerging as a test case for APC ’s nationwide reforms.
Conclusion: The Battle for the APC’s Soul Has Begun
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi’s declaration signals that 2027 is already underway in Zamfara. The conversation is shifting from power struggles to legitimate representation, with more leaders now openly rejecting political manipulation.
Whether these new commitments become reality remains to be seen. But the message resonates with party members and Zamfara voters who demand greater transparency and respect for their voice.
For now, the countdown to credible primaries and political redemption has officially begun.