Zamfara ADC Crisis: INEC confirms Shinkafi as governorship candidate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially designated Bilyaminu Aliyu Shinkafi as the governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State, Nigeria, for the 2027 general elections. This decision was communicated on Saturday at INEC's state office in Gusau, the capital city.

The resolution of the internal dispute surrounding the ADC's governorship ticket appears to be credited to INEC's confirmation. The conflict erupted after Surajo Garba Gusau, the state chairman of the ADC, announced Ibrahim Salisu Mafara as the party's candidate. With Shinkafi's official confirmation, he is now positioned to run against Governor Dauda Lawal of the All Progressives Party (APC) and candidates from other political parties in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Shinkafi expressed his gratitude to INEC for adhering to due process and the rule of law. He appealed to ADC members and other stakeholders in Zamfara to set aside their differences and collaborate for the party's success in the 2027 election. Shinkafi stated, "I commend INEC for doing the right thing. This is a victory for democracy and for the ADC family in Zamfara."

He further urged party members to foster unity and progress in preparation for the election, declaring, "I call on all our members to embrace unity and progress so that we can deliver victory for the party in 2027."

The confirmation of Shinkafi as the ADC's candidate is anticipated to facilitate the party's commencement of comprehensive mobilization and preparations for the governorship contest in Zamfara State.