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.
Residents from various communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, as their preferred choice for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a gathering tagged “Street Endorsement for Odii” held in Afikpo.
Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, described Odii’s governorship aspiration as timely and necessary, arguing that the state needed a leader with the competence and vision to drive development.
According to her, Odii possesses the capacity, integrity, experience, and contacts required to reposition Ebonyi State and improve the welfare of its citizens.
She urged residents to rally behind the PDP candidate, warning that the state risked further setbacks if leadership was entrusted to individuals lacking the requisite experience and commitment.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Zone in the 2027 elections, Mrs. Maria Nwachi, called on residents to support Odii’s ambition and make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the elections.
Nwachi, a former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described Odii as a leader who understands the challenges facing Ebonyians and has the capacity to address them.
She expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would bring transformational leadership to the state if elected.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-East Constituency, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu-Otu, described the endorsement as a significant step towards shaping the future of Ebonyi State.
He said the gathering reflected the confidence many residents have in Odii’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and address the state’s challenges.
Similarly, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-West Constituency, Mr. Ewa Chukwumaijem, urged residents to support the PDP governorship candidate and ensure they obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the election.
The event drew supporters from several communities across Afikpo, who pledged their backing for the PDP candidate as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.
The lawmaker formally announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate on Monday by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary.
In the letter, Maidoki said the lingering crisis within the APC had forced him to seek a new political platform.
“I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,” he stated.
Explaining the reason for his decision, the senator said the internal wrangling in the ruling party had become a major source of concern.
“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern,” he said.
Maidoki expressed confidence that the ADC would provide a more suitable platform to advance the interests of his constituents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Kebbi South senator also accused the APC of abandoning the principles of justice, peace and unity, particularly during the recently concluded party primary elections in the state.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he declared.
Reaffirming his commitment to his new political platform, Maidoki said:
“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”
The defection marks another political setback for the APC as the ADC continues to attract high-profile politicians ahead of future electoral contests.
Politics
Enugu High Court Receives OAU Onyema’s N20m Recovery Suit Against NDC, Dickson, Egwu, Others
A legal battle has commenced at the Enugu State High Court following the filing of Suit No. E/619/2026 by Chief Sir OAU Onyema against the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The plaintiff is seeking the recovery of N20 million, which he alleges was procured through misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive inducement, resulting in what he described as unjust enrichment by the defendants.
According to court documents, the defendants have been given 42 days to file their defence. The plaintiff has also filed an application for summary judgment, urging the court to enter judgment in his favour without a full trial on the grounds that the defendants allegedly have no viable defence to the claims. The defendants were granted 14 days after service to respond to the motion.
In a 41-paragraph affidavit supported by 12 exhibits, the plaintiff detailed the basis of his claims and requested an order compelling the defendants, jointly and severally, to refund the N20 million allegedly paid into Account No. 1046691859 belonging to the first defendant and domiciled with FCMB.
As part of the summary judgment application, the plaintiff is also seeking an order freezing the account pending the determination of the substantive suit if the court declines to grant immediate judgment.
In the substantive action, the plaintiff seeks declarations that the N20 million payment was obtained through misrepresentation, undue influence and coercive inducement, and that the defendants’ continued retention of the funds amounts to unjust enrichment.
He is further asking the court to award N5 million as special damages for litigation costs, N200 million as general damages for alleged psychological trauma, embarrassment, hardship and inconvenience, and interest on the disputed sum at the rate of 10 per cent per month from June 2, 2026, until full repayment.
The matter has been tentatively adjourned to July 2, 2026, for returns on court assignment and the fixing of further hearing dates.
Further details of the proceedings are expected as the case progresses.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, approving seven candidates from different political parties to contest for the vacant Senate seat.
The updated list significantly expands the race, following the commission’s earlier publication which featured only three candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Boot Party (BP).
The initial exclusion of candidates from several parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), generated controversy and prompted legal and political reactions across the senatorial district.
The Labour Party had approached the court to challenge the omission of its candidate from the election. However, following the inclusion of its flag bearer in the revised list, the party reportedly withdrew the suit.
According to INEC’s final notice, the candidates cleared to participate in the by-election are Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka (BP), Eze Ejike Simon (LP), Ossai Elias Okwudili (NDC), Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP), and Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu (PRP).
The revised list brings four additional political parties into the contest, broadening the field and offering voters more options ahead of the election.
Political observers and stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a step toward a more inclusive and competitive electoral process.
The by-election is scheduled to hold on June 20 across the six local government areas that make up Enugu North Senatorial District: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, and Igbo Etiti.
INEC’s records show that Eze Ejike Simon of the Labour Party, aged 67, is the oldest candidate in the race, closely followed by Ossai Elias Okwudili of the NDC, who is 66.
The youngest contender is Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka of the Boot Party at 39 years, while Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the ADC is 41.
Other candidates include APC’s Asogwa Ikeje Israel, aged 56; PDP’s Ezeme Nestor Chika, aged 55; and PRP’s Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu, also 55.
The commission further disclosed that all seven candidates contesting the by-election are male.
With the publication of the final list, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns in the final days before the poll, which will determine who represents Enugu North Senatorial District in the Senate for the remainder of the current tenure.
Credit: Nation
Stakeholders also called for sanctions against Justice Peter Lifu for flouting a superior court order, as the ADC assures supporters they will remain on the ballot.
Political parties and stakeholders affected by the Federal High Court’s controversial deregistration order welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the judgment.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, while delivering a stinging rebuke to Justice Lifu for flouting a May 22 appellate court order restraining him from delivering the ruling.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.
The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is the highest form of judicial impertinence,” the panel declared, adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acted in such a manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”
The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Lifu, had on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that the five parties failed to meet the constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, specifically, requirements related to securing at least 25 per cent of votes in certain states or winning seats in the 2023 general elections.
Earlier in Tuesday’s proceedings, INEC told the appellate court it was stunned by Justice Lifu’s decision to deliver the judgment, disclosing that the commission only learned of the ruling through media reports rather than any official notification.
INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Haliru Mohammed, told the panel that the commission had been aware of the appellate court’s May 22 order restraining the lower court from delivering the judgment, which had originally been reserved for June 5.
“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment,” Mohammed submitted.
The commission also aligned itself with the notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties.
Counsel to the ADC, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the court that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment’s delivery to the party via WhatsApp, a disclosure that drew visible reactions from the bench.
Aruwa described the lower court’s conduct as an invitation to anarchy and urged the appellate court to invoke its disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to sanction the judge.
“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.
“We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment. This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay,” he added.
APC reacts
Reacting to the appellate court’s decision, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling offered a measure of hope for the judiciary’s credibility, though he was careful not to celebrate unreservedly.
“It indicates that the judiciary may still redeem itself. We are cautiously delighted but we insist that it shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Abdullahi said in a telephone interview.
He called on the National Judicial Council to take urgent steps to rid the bench of judges whose conduct brought the institution into disrepute.
“We, therefore, hope that the judicial council will take urgent steps to purge the bench of judges who bring the judicial institution to disrepute,” he said.
The National Leader of the Action Peoples Party, Ikenga Ugochinyere, was more emphatic in his welcome of the ruling, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position from the outset and calling on the NJC to weed out what he termed controversial judges.
“There was no need to panic in the first place, and, so, this ruling is a vindication of our position from the get-go,” Ugochinyere said.
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