2027: INEC publishes Ya’u as Zamfara North APC candidate despite court order

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Senator Sahabi Ya’u as the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Zamfara North Senatorial District for the 2027 election, despite a ruling by a Federal High Court. This decision comes in the wake of the court nullifying the party's primary held on May 19, 2026.

APC candidate Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi strongly opposes INEC's action, arguing that it contravenes the court's August 31, 2026 judgment and undermines the nation's democratic process. Justice Hassan Dikko ordered the party to hold a fresh primary involving all cleared aspirants within 14 days and directed INEC to accept the candidate who emerges from this new primary.

Shinkafi's legal team has urged INEC to withdraw Ya’u's name from the publication, pointing to the suit filed in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/6/2026, which claims the May 19 primary violated the Electoral Act and internal party procedures. Shinkafi fears that proceeding with Ya’u's nomination could further damage the APC's standing and attract legal challenges.