In a dispute that could shake the 2027 senatorial race in Zamfara North, APC aspirant Sani Shinkafi has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of ignoring a Federal High Court ruling by publishing the name of Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u as the party’s candidate.
The court, in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/6/2026 and presided over by Justice Hassan Dikko, set aside the APC’s May 19, 2026 primary for the district and ordered the party to hold a fresh election within 14 days of the judgment delivered on August 31, 2026. It also directed INEC to accept and publish the name of whoever emerges from the new primary.
Despite the ruling, INEC released Ya’u’s name on its official list, prompting the APC to demand its withdrawal. The party warned that publishing a candidate before the court‑ordered primary could undermine the judicial process and erode public confidence in the electoral system.
“Disobeying a court order in a matter to which the commission was a party and fully represented will erode public confidence in the electoral system,” said Shinkafi.
In a letter dated September 18, 2026 addressed to the INEC chairman, Shinkafi’s counsel, YAS Law Firm, reiterated that the judgment established no valid candidate had emerged from the May 19 primary due to non‑compliance with the Electoral Act and APC guidelines. The lawyers urged INEC to stay the publication pending a fresh primary or the final determination of any appeal, citing a restraining order that prohibited further breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions.
Shinkafi also recalled earlier Supreme Court cases that nullified party primaries and issued orders affecting election outcomes, underscoring the seriousness of the current dispute.
The case highlights the tension between party primaries, judicial oversight and electoral administration as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
