A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC and former governorship aspirant, Dr Sani Shinkafi, has hit out at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the commission’s failure in the Zamfara North Senatorial primary.
Shinkafi said the Commission must obey a valid court judgement on the APC Zamfara North Senatorial primary election to build public trust and uphold democratic integrity ahead of the general elections.
He condemned INEC’s publication of the name of Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u as the party’s candidate for Zamfara North in defiance of the Federal High Court Gusau, Zamfara State judgement on 31st August 2026.
The court nullified the primary election held on 19th May and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 days the judgement was delivered.
The court also ordered INEC to accept the outcome of the fresh primary election and the commission was duly served the certified true copy of the court order for compliance.
Shinkafi said, “It is inappropriate, unfair, unjust, justice juxtaposed and an assault on the nation’s emerging democracy for INEC to flagrantly violate a clear order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The publication of any candidate’s name prior to a fresh primary election ordered by the court, or determination of the matter at the appellate court undermines the Judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of all aggrieved citizens.
“As the electoral umpire, INEC should safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process including the political parties’ nomination processes. Disobeying a court order in a matter which the commission was a party to and fully represented will erode public confidence in the electoral system.
“It could be recalled that the Supreme Court had nullified the All Progressives Congress’ primaries in previous general elections and awarded victory to the political party that came second in the polls including governorship elections.”
Shinkafi said he has submitted a letter to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan through his lawyer, calling his attention to the unlawful publication of Senator Ya’u as the party’s candidate.