From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Former Senator Shehu Sani has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Kaduna Central Senatorial District and called on frustrated aspirants to accept the outcome and work toward the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
Sani secured 9,105 votes to defeat Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, who received 1,021 votes, and Shettima Yerima, who scored 1,253 votes after withdrawing from the race. Returning officer Samira Jibrin announced the result.
Speaking to journalists at his Kaduna home after the announcement, Sani thanked the party leadership and members in Kaduna for their votes, prayers, and support. He also expressed appreciation to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support throughout the process.
“I must thank my friend, brother, and governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for standing by me in this battle, which we have won. I also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and solidarity throughout this period,” he said.
Describing Kaduna State as the political capital of Northern Nigeria, Sani emphasized the importance of strong and effective representation in the National Assembly. He committed to defending the interests of his constituents as he did during his previous Senate term about eight years ago.
“My objective is to ensure that the interests, dreams, and expectations of my people are properly represented in parliament,” he stated. He added that the National Assembly plays a vital role in sustaining democracy, ensuring accountability, and overseeing government policies.
Sani highlighted the challenges facing Northern Nigeria, such as poverty, insecurity, industrial decline, and social decay, saying they require continued legislative focus. He also praised Governor Uba Sani for promoting unity between the predominantly Muslim northern part of Kaduna State and the largely Christian southern region.
Appealing for party unity, Sani said his hands remain open to aspirants who contested against him. “For those who refused to step down and insisted on contesting, our hands remain open for unity and peaceful coexistence so we can build the party together,” he said. He urged Nigerians to reject attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani Campaign Council rejected the result. Speaking on behalf of the council, Deputy Director-General Cafra Caino said no valid primary election occurred across the seven local government areas of the zone.
Caino claimed that party members waited for hours at ward and party offices without seeing election officials or materials and argued that the process failed to meet the standards set by the APC National Working Committee.
“Consequently, the Right Honorable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani Campaign Council unequivocally rejects the purported result announced for the Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone primary election,” he declared.
