For many supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State, the message is clear: the outcome of the party’s governorship primary must be respected and the votes of party members must count.
Bilyaminu Shinkafi emerged from the ADC governorship primary after defeating two other aspirants. The Chairman of the party’s Primary Election Committee, Namadi Musa, subsequently declared Shinkafi the winner, stating that he had satisfied the party’s requirements and complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The subsequent appearance of Shinkafi’s name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal has, however, generated reactions within the party and among political stakeholders in Zamfara.
Supporters of Shinkafi argue that the decision reinforces what they describe as the authentic outcome of the party’s primary. His opponents, meanwhile, have indicated their willingness to continue working for the success of the ADC in Zamfara ahead of the 2027 elections, despite the disagreement surrounding the candidacy.
For those backing Shinkafi, the dispute goes beyond a contest involving Governor Dauda Lawal. They frame it as part of a broader political struggle over who should determine the direction of Zamfara and who should ultimately be accountable to the state’s electorate.
Political stakeholders from both the APC and PDP have also weighed into the controversy, with some arguing that a mandate secured through a properly conducted primary should not be undermined. Supporters of Shinkafi believe that if the primary result is upheld, it could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027.
The debate has also provided an opportunity for critics of the Dauda Lawal administration to revisit some of the governor’s campaign promises, particularly his pledge to tackle insecurity in the state. Critics contend that the administration has fallen short of expectations and accuse it of placing greater emphasis on major infrastructure projects while insecurity and the plight of displaced residents remain serious concerns.
They point specifically to thousands of internally displaced persons affected by the conflict in Zamfara, arguing that their humanitarian needs deserve greater attention from the state government.
As political activity intensifies ahead of 2027, the dispute within the ADC is increasingly becoming a test of the party’s internal democratic process. For Shinkafi’s supporters, the central demand remains unchanged: the votes cast at the primary should be respected, and the mandate they believe was freely given should be allowed to stand.
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