Zamfara ADC Crisis: INEC confirms Shinkafi as governorship candidate

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has confirmed Bilyaminu Aliyu Shinkafi as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Zamfara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shinkafi’s name appeared on the final list of candidates displayed at the INEC state office in Gusau, the state capital, on Saturday.

The development appears to have resolved the internal dispute that had affected the ADC’s governorship ticket in the state.

The crisis began after the state chairman of the party, Surajo Garba Gusau, announced Ibrahim Salisu Mafara as the party’s governorship candidate.

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With Shinkafi’s confirmation by INEC, he is now set to contest the 2027 governorship election on the ADC platform against Governor Dauda Lawal of the APC and candidates of other political parties.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Shinkafi commended INEC for what he described as upholding due process and the rule of law.

He called on ADC members and other stakeholders in Zamfara to put aside their differences and work together towards the party’s success in the 2027 election.

“I commend INEC for doing the right thing. This is a victory for democracy and for the ADC family in Zamfara,” he said.

Shinkafi also urged party members to embrace unity and work towards strengthening the ADC ahead of the election.

“I call on all our members to embrace unity and progress so that we can deliver victory for the party in 2027,” he said.

The confirmation is expected to provide the ADC with a clearer path to commence full-scale mobilisation and preparations for the governorship contest in Zamfara State.