85 Zamfara APC Aspirants Back Tinubu, Dauda Despite Screening Setback
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, Shinkafi said their inability to secure tickets would not affect their commitment to the APC or their support for President Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal.
No fewer than 85 aspirants, who were unsuccessful in the recent Zamfara State All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly screening exercise, have declared continued loyalty to the party and pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aspirants made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, at his residence in Gusau on Tuesday evening.
Addressing the delegation, Matawalle urged the aspirants to remain calm, united and committed to the growth of the APC, assuring them that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) was reviewing petitions arising from the screening process.
He noted that the APC remained a party founded on fairness, justice and equal opportunities for members.
The delegation was led by Hon. Sulaiman Shu’aibu Shinkafi, an aspirant for the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Shinkafi Constituency, who commended Matawalle for his leadership and efforts at promoting unity within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, Shinkafi said their inability to secure tickets would not affect their commitment to the APC or their support for President Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal.
“With or without tickets, we will remain in APC and continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in 2027,” he stated.
The aspirants reaffirmed their dedication to the ideals of the ruling party and pledged to work for its success in future elections.
Matawalle also used the occasion to highlight the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, including insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West.
“We are still confronting insurgency, Boko Haram activities and ISWAP operations in the North-East, as well as banditry in the North-West. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to addressing these security challenges and restoring lasting peace across the nation,” the minister said.
He further praised the Tinubu administration for embarking on major infrastructure projects, including the Zamfara–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto highway and the Sokoto–Badagry road project, which he said would boost transportation, trade and economic development in the northern region.
Matawalle expressed satisfaction with the maturity and unity displayed by the aspirants, describing their resolve to remain in the party despite the screening outcome as commendable.
The meeting formed part of ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts aimed at strengthening the APC structure in Zamfara State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among those present at the meeting were former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ahmad Anka; former Speakers of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bature Umar Sambo and Rt. Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya; APC State Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi; and other party stakeholders.
