Politics
Former APGA Scribe Shinkafi Joins APC National Chairmanship Race
The former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Dr Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi has indicated his interest to contest for the National Chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement at the weekend in Abuja Shinkafi stated that he has been under pressure from political associates and friends to run for the APC plumb job.
According to the statement tagged “Notification Of My Intention To Contest For The Office Of The National Chairman of Our Great Party All Progressives Congress (APC)” Shinkafi said that “after wide consultations and discussions with my family, friends and political associates I have decided to heed the call to contest for the office of the National Chairman of our great party the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“With my wide experience as the immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the immediate past Secretary of the Board of Trustees of APGA I believe that I have what it takes to run the affairs of the APC. I would want to continue with the great job done by the Acting National Chairman His Excellency Malam Mai Bunu in re-organizing and making the party the greatest party in Nigeria.
Shinkafi declared that “If elected I will ensure that the values that birthed the party in 2014 are preserved. I would also ensure that the era of impunity and imposition of candidates against the will of the party’s teaming followers is gone, and this is the time to make hard and only decision that will serve in the interest of the general members even at the least level must be the only way out.
He noted that “In its bid to retain power in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria in 2023, there is urgent need for the party to look beyond personal interest to set its house in order by first of all ensuring that only a credible hand is ushered in to lead the party as the next National Chairman.
“The party came with sound policies and programmes that would have salvaged the country but the party’s dream was shortlived because the forces that are not progressives joined the party through the backdoors only to win elections. The internal functions and ranglings within the rulling party made it to loss elections in Bauchi, Adamawa, Edo and Zamfara states among others apart from many legislative seats both at the states and National Assembly levels that were dashed away as results of poor handling of the party’s 2018 primaries” he added.
Shinkafi pointed out that “the party currently needs a leader who commands respect among his contemporaries, a man whose mind is bounded by reconciliatory traits and a young and energetic man who is determined to pay a price for APC to survive against his personal interest. it will never be a plea bargain where personal interest superceed personal interest.
“The emergence of the rulling party from many political parties and subsequent defections at the aftermath of 2015 elections has been identified as some of the reasons why the party failed to implement its initial manifesto to get Nigeria on the right track again. The APC has very sound policies and programmes that are practicable, aimed at changing the fortunes of Nigerians and can only be sustained if an individual who shared the party’s traits are allowed to lead as the National Chairman.
Dr Shinkafi was born on 20th February, 1970 in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, he attended the township Shinkafi, and later went to the Government Secondary School Gwadabawa where he obtained the West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate in 1988, he later proceeded to Polytechnic of Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, from 1988 to 1991 where he obtained the National Diploma in Business Administration and the Plateau School of Accountancy and Management Sciences Studies from 1995 to 1999, where he was awarded the Higher National Diploma in Accounting. From 2006 to 2007 he was at the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto where he bagged the Post Graduate Diploma in Education.
In 2016 he attended the Nassarawa State University Keffi where he bagged a Masters Degree in Public Sector Accounting( Public Financial Management).
His working experience spanned various sectors starting his first job as an Accountant in training Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sokoto, Sokoto State. He was an Internal Auditor Sokoto Engineering and Construction Company (SECCO), Sokoto State.
He later rose to become an Acting Deputy Director Internal Audit Sokoto State Hotels Service Management Board.
Shinkafi was later promoted to the position of the Head of Audit Unit Sokoto State Teachers Services Board, from where he was made the Acting Deputy Director Internal Audit Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Gusau, Zamfara State. He also had a stint at the Ministry of Finance Budget and Economic Planning, Gusau, Zamfara State from where he voluntarily Withdrew his Service from the Zamfara State Civil Service in 2001.
He joined politics and ran for the Chairmanship of Shinkafi Local Government Chairmanship under the flag form of All People Party (APP), he also contested for the Chairmanship of Shinkafi Local Government Chairmanship under the platform of People Democratic Party (PDP).
He was the State Secretary of United Nigeria People Party (UNPP) and later the State Chairman All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
He later contested as the Zamfara State Governorship Candidate under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
He was a member of the National Caucus of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA, Member National Executive Committee (NEC) said f APGA, he was the National Secretary All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Secretary Board of Trustee All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Shinkafi was a Member of the Zamfara State Committee for Finding Lasting Solution to Armed Banditry by His Excellency Hon. Dr. Bello Muhammad MON Matawallen Maradun Shattiman Sokoto, Executive Governor Zamfara State 2019.
He was a member of the Zamfara State 25th Years Silver Jubilee Anniversary by His Excellency Hon. Dr. Bello Muhammad MON Matawallen Maradun Shattiman Sokoto, Executive Governor Zamfara State 2021.
He is the Chairman Anti-Illegal Mining Committee appointed by His Excellency Hon. Dr. Bello Muhammad MON Matawallen Maradun Shattiman Sokoto, Executive Governor Zamfara State 2021.
He was a Delegate of the National Conference in 2014.
He was awarded a Certificate of Participation, he attended the 1st All Party Summit Organized
By House Committee on Inter/Intra Party Relations 2005.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctors of Management Science Honoris Causa in investment Analysis 2017, an Honorary Doctorate Degree in International Relationship and Diplomacy by Atlas University Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania 2009.
He also bagged an Award of Excellence by Zenith International News Magazine 2009.
He was also named as a Young Ambassador of Peace by Universal Peace Federation and Youth
Federation for World Peace 2010 by the National Drug and Law Empowerment Agency 2011.
The Muryar Talaka Award of Honour, 2013, Award of Excellent by SUG Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria 2018.
An Award by Arewa Student Forum, ISM Adonai University 2019.
He also got the Africa Illustrious Award by My Media Africa 2020. The National Education Awards Program (NEAP) 2020.
The Special Gold Award Award of Excellence by Zamfara State Student Association (ZAMSSA), Parental Recognition Award by Lala International School, Gusau, Zamfara State.
The Award of Excellence for outstanding performance in leadership of the Party APGA by National Working Committee of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Award of Merit by Young and Getting it (YAGI LEVEL)
He holds many Chieftaincy Titi led which includes, Wamban Shinkafi by His Royal Highness Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Muhammadu Makwashi MON, Sarkin Gabas Shinkafi Local Government, Zamfara State, the Tambarin Mada by District Head of Mada, Sama’ila Bara’u Mada, Gusau Local Government, the Jagaban Tudun Wada Gusau by District Head of Tudun Wada Nura Kabiru Danbaba, the Shattiman Birnin Yaro, by Alhaji Labaran Abdullahi Suleman Dikko, District Head of Birnin Yero, Shinkafi Local Goverment, Sarkin Sudan Nakware (Na Farko) by District Head of Kware Sarkin Yakin Kware Alhaji Umaru Dangaladima Isah, Shinkafi Local Goverment.
Shinkafi is also the Tafidan Kurya which was given to him by District Head of Kurya Alh. Mudi Ibrahim Fakai, Shinkafi Local Goverment, he is the Matawallen Gidan Goga, by District Head of Gidan Goga Alh. Aliyu Danmaliki, Maradun Local Government.
He is also the Durumbun Badarawa by District Head of Badarawa, Sarkin Kudun Badarwa Alhaji Namakka Ibrahim, the Adimula of Ijesamodu Ekiti by His Royal Highness Oba Samuel Agboola Osatuyi Ekiti, Ekiti State.
He is the Ochendo I of Umuihi by His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Robert Asiegbu Ndukwe (JP) Ihi II of Umuihi Autonomous Community in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government, Imo State.
He also bagged another Chieftancy Title of Enyiora I of Aguleri, (Friend of the People) by Eze C. N. Idigo iv Ogalagidi Eze Aguleri Ancient Kingdom Anambra East Local Government, Anambra State.
He was also Conferred with Traditional Chieftancy Title of Nwannendimba I of Agulu Ezeigo, (My Brother from Another Place) Anaocha Local Government, Anambra State. He also holds the traditional title of Ugomba I of Nwgu, which was conferred on him by His Royal Highness Igwe George E. Okaa-Onwuogu (KSM) Dunukopia Local Government, Anambra State
He is Member of All Progressives Congress (APC), the State Chairman Miners Association of Nigeria, Zamfara State Chapter, Member Zamfara State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, mines and Agriculture, National Organizing Secretary Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Association of Nigeria.
Shinkafi is also the Executive Director Patriot for the Advancement of peace and Social Development.
He has demonstrated the ability to recognize the strengths of various employees and delegate tasks accordingly.
He has as his watch word honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Prudence Management, Creativity, Disciplined, Objective and Flexibility.
He is consistent, Creative, he is punctual,dependable and hardworking,highly dedicated, highly motivated and accountable.
His hobbies includes; Research and Study, Traveling and Watching Football.
He is married with Children.
He is expected to openly declare his intention to lead next week.
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resisting all forms of intimidation through lawful and democratic means as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.
In a series of posts on his X account on Thursday, Adeleke said his administration remains focused on prudent management of public resources and implementing people-centred policies that have improved the lives of residents across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to party members and supporters in Ayedaade Local Government Area for the massive turnout during his campaign visit, describing the reception as a strong endorsement of his continuity agenda.
According to him, the enthusiasm shown by supporters reflects their determination despite what he described as repeated provocations.
Adeleke urged his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant and united, insisting that the best response to intimidation is discipline and a massive turnout on election day.
His remarks come amid controversy over the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticised the EFCC’s action, arguing that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional authority to impose a blanket restriction on a state’s finances without due legal process.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has denied any financial wrongdoing. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused the EFCC of acting on the alleged directive of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to frustrate the payment of workers’ palliatives.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with Adeleke seeking a second term under the Accord Party platform.
Amid allegations of financial impropriety rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly, lawmakers on Wednesday held a parliamentary meeting to deliberate on pending legislative matters and announced the constitution of a four-member panel to investigate and audit the Assembly’s accounts, including the alleged involvement of the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.
The meeting was held at the Assembly complex, but the Speaker and his Deputy, Ololade Gbegudu, were absent. The Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, however, attended the meeting.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, alongside some lawmakers, confirmed that the Assembly’s accounts would be audited.
Ifabiyi, who did not disclose the identities of members of the four-member probe panel, said the leadership of the House had been under pressure to resume legislative activities.
He said the lawmakers considered it necessary to reconvene to discharge their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking and oversight, following concerns over the prolonged absence of plenary sessions and committee meetings.
According to him, the lawmakers deliberated on issues affecting the development of Ondo State, including constituency projects, community development and the welfare of residents across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking on the political situation in the Assembly, Ifabiyi said lawmakers had not abandoned their plan to impeach the Speaker, but were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He dismissed allegations that lawmakers had been financially induced to abandon the impeachment move, insisting that the process remained pending.
“We are still waiting for the leadership of the party. We are unable to proceed further until the leadership of the party asks us to. So, it’s pending. We are still on course,” he said.
On the role of the state government in the crisis, Ifabiyi said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had no role in the day-to-day running of the legislature, describing the intervention of the APC leadership as a normal party affair.
“The Governor does not intervene in the running of the legislature. It is normal for a party to intervene because we are from the same family,” he said.
He added that the APC leadership should treat all members of the Assembly equally, noting that all 26 lawmakers belonged to the same political party.
“Our father will not prefer one person at the expense of 26. Our father will not do that,” Ifabiyi said.
The Ward Executive Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ward 9, comprising Amoli, Ogugu, Owelli and Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has reaffirmed the indefinite suspension of Mr SKC Ogbonnia from the party.
The Ward said the suspension took effect on May 18, 2026, following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
In a statement dated August 5, 2026, the Ward Executive Committee clarified that the suspension was not a recent decision and remains valid and binding until it is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate organs of the party.
According to the committee, the disciplinary action followed the report of a duly constituted Ward Disciplinary Committee set up to investigate petitions and complaints alleging anti-party activities, gross misconduct, acts of sabotage and conduct considered prejudicial to the interests of the NDC.
The Ward Chairman, Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, said the committee observed the principles of fair hearing and due process by issuing several invitations to Ogbonnia and giving him opportunities to appear and respond to the allegations against him.
However, the committee alleged that Ogbonnia failed and refused to honour the invitations or participate in the disciplinary proceedings.
According to the Ward, his alleged refusal to appear compelled the disciplinary committee to conclude its assignment based on the evidence before it.
The report was subsequently adopted unanimously by the Ward Executive Committee, which resolved that Ogbonnia be suspended indefinitely from the NDC with effect from May 18, 2026.
The party said the allegations against him included persistent anti-party activities, gross misconduct, disloyalty, attempts to undermine the party’s leadership, programmes and electoral interests, conduct capable of bringing the party into public disrepute, and disregard for the party’s constitution and lawful directives.
The Ward Executive Committee also claimed that its internal verification showed that Ogbonnia was not recognised as a registered member of the NDC in Ward 9.
The committee questioned the basis of his alleged association with the party and expressed concern over his possession of the Ward’s account number.
According to the Ward, it did not authorise or disclose its account details to Ogbonnia and called on him to explain how he allegedly obtained the information.
The committee further stated that, throughout the period of his suspension, Ogbonnia is prohibited from attending or participating in meetings, programmes, activities or decision-making processes of the NDC.
It also warned that he must not present himself publicly as a member, official or representative of the party unless and until the suspension is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate party authorities.
The Ward Executive Committee said the disciplinary action was necessary to protect the integrity, discipline, unity, constitutional order and credibility of the NDC.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, internal democracy and what it described as zero tolerance for conduct detrimental to the collective interests of the party.
The statement was signed by Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, Ward Chairman, NDC Ward 9, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen a bank account belonging to the Osun State Government, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election, heightening political tension ahead of the August 15 poll.
Documents obtained by Vanguard indicate that the account, domiciled with First Bank and reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The development came barely hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the EFCC to freeze the state government’s accounts and those of key government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported move as a deliberate attempt to cripple the operations of his administration ahead of the governorship election.
Adeleke argued that there was no legal basis for the action, insisting that the EFCC lacked the statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government.
A source close to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the restriction had already taken effect.
“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement confirming or explaining the reported action. The reason for the account restriction also remained unclear.
The reported account freeze is expected to heighten political tensions in Osun as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The documents, which were displayed at INEC offices across the country in line with the Electoral Act 2026, are yet to be uploaded to the commission’s website as of the time of filing this report.
The process allows members of the public and eligible persons to scrutinise the information submitted by candidates.
The publication was carried out in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires INEC to display the personal particulars and supporting documents submitted by candidates.
Full list of presidential candidates
Bola Tinubu – All Progressives Congress (APC)
Atiku Abubakar – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Peter Obi – Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
Senator Sandy Onor – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Omoyele Sowore – African Action Congress (AAC)
Donald Duke – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick – National Democratic Party (NDP)
Chukwu Anita Zugwai – Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Rufai Adekunle Omoaje – Action Alliance (AA)
Adenuga Sunday – Boot Party
Memeh Samuel – Democratic Liberty Alliance (DLA)
Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Okereke Sunday Chibuzor – Labour Party (LP)
Okereke Iken Esther – National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Abbas-Bin Aliyu – Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer – Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Seyi Makinde – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Yusuf Kabiru – Action Peoples Party (APP)
Vice-presidential candidatesNigeria election countdown
Kashim Shettima (APC)
Rotimi Amaechi (ADC)
Rabiu Kwankwaso (NDC)
Shehu Hussaini (AA)
Egbeola Olawale Mertins (YPP)
Ike Chinazam (ADP)
Mustapha Usman Turaki (Boot Party)
Balogun Alex (DLA)
Chikwuemeka Uchenna Anthony (NDP)
Magashi Haruna Garba (AAC)
Umaru Babangida (PDP)
Konto Hajja Bintu (LP)
Hassan Khalid (ZLP)
Samuel Magdalene Gali (NRM)
Abubakar Isah (NNPP)
Buba Musa (PRP)
Bugaje Usman Mohammed (SDP)
Ibrahim Adamu Bala (APM)
Ofordile Peace Egobia (APP)
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