By Jude Opara
A one time National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Sani Shinkafi on Tuesday said that the time has come for the enthronement of equity and fairness in Zamfara North Senatorial District.
Shinkafi who spoke after returning his nomination forms to his new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it’s the beginning of a new era where the people would be given quality representation at the legislative arm.
“This marks the beginning of a new era in the North Senatorial District because for over two to three decades—from 1999 to 2027—there has been no power shift.
“The office of the Senate has been dominated by Anka/Maru (Ara Namoda axis). Out of the four local governments that make up the district—Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda (Ara Namoda), Birnin Magaji, and Zurmi—we have felt marginalised.
“If you assess the 28 years of representation in the Red Chamber, not up to10 bills have been sponsored”.
He added that in the period under review, the Senatorial District has remained the least developed, especially in the area of infrastructural attainment, due to the inability of the senators to speak for the district.
“In the three senatorial zones where we have universities, senators representing Zamfara North have not been able to attract any meaningful federal government projects to our zone—not even a single one.
“So, we feel that those who have occupied the office have not represented the good people of Zamfara North well.
This is the time for change—a new beginning in the senatorial district. We are tired of political slavery, and it is time for us to break free from that political captivity”.
On the type of primary to be adopted, Shinkafi said when the aspirants agree to consensus, then it would be adopted, but when they don’t agree, then the direct option would be adopted.
However, he stressed that he does not want a consensus arrangement because he is not ready to step down for anybody.
“As far as I am concerned, I am not ready for consensus. I am not ready to step down. I want to exercise my right as provided by the Electoral Act.
“Therefore, we must go for direct primaries. Whoever wins carries the day. There are about eight of us contesting, and the current occupant has been there for 16 years. This is inequality, injustice, and clear marginalization.
“We cannot continue like this. There must be a power shift among the local governments, he stated.
