Intense Contest for APC Ticket in Kaduna Central as Shehu Sani and Others Step Up

The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for the Kaduna Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections is shaping up to be one of the most competitive contests for party nominations, as observed by our correspondent.

The commencement of strategic calculations for the candidacy has already sparked notable tensions within the party.

Reports confirm that potential APC candidates are relentless in their pursuit of the party's endorsement, particularly in light of the ongoing crises facing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

At the center of the political fray is Shehu Sani, who previously served as the senator for Kaduna Central from 2015 until 2019. He has signaled early on his intentions to reclaim the seat that he lost in 2019.

Sani's previous bid to return to the Senate was thwarted by Uba Sani, who worked as a political adviser to Governor Nasir El-Rufai and currently holds the governorship of Kaduna State.

Financial disagreements with the state's APC leadership led Shehu Sani to switch to the People's Redemption Party (PRP), resulting in a failed re- election attempt during the last general elections.

However, with the landscape shifting ahead of 2027, Sani is keen on rejoining the APC, having resolved his past conflicts with current leadership, potentially aiming for the Senate seat amidst growing support within the party. Reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu may have played a role in restoring Sani's position within Kaduna’s political framework.

Experts indicate that unlike in 2015, when he unexpectedly secured the APC ticket, Sani's probabilities this time hinge on various elements, including internal party realignments, the influence of the state governor, the sentiments of the national APC leadership, and support from the grassroots.

In addition to Sani, other notable contenders vying for the APC nomination are Yarima Shattima, Aminu Zaria, Yusuf Zailani, and Yusuf Hamisu, commonly known as Mairago.

Shattima and Zaria are perceived as loyal associates of Governor Uba Sani, while Mairago has had a longstanding political alliance with the governor that has recently faced challenges.

Yusuf Zailani, a former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, enjoys considerable grassroots backing, particularly in areas such as Igabi LGA, Kaduna North, and Kaduna Central.

Zubairu Shan’una, a former councillor from Kaduna North, expressed that Zailani could be a formidable candidate if the party implements fair primary elections, although he cautions that state support is not currently in Zailani's favor.

He remarked, "If the APC conducts legitimate primaries, candidates with grassroots support could secure the nomination, but if state influence dictates the outcome, alternative candidates may prevail."

Shan’una added that Shehu Sani's chances of receiving the party's ticket stand at about 50 percent, given his connections and influence, yet he cautioned that simply securing the ticket does not guarantee a victory.

Shehu Sani's political challenges with the APC date back to Nasir El-Rufai’s administration. During that time, Sani felt sidelined in the governance process, and tensions escalated as he and two other senators opposed the state government's proposed $350 million loan.

When it became evident that his return to the Senate on an APC platform was blocked by El-Rufai, Sani moved to the People's Redemption Party (PRP) but ultimately did not succeed in his re-election.

In the 2023 elections, Uba Sani, running for APC, defeated Sani. Other colleagues faced similar fates due to splits with the governor.

As the 2027 positioning begins, the political dynamics have notably shifted, with Sani determined to seize the APC candidacy, especially since he has reconciled with the governor. Observers note that Sani’s and El-Rufai’s historical alliances during their student years might have contributed to their renewed collaboration against the backdrop of growing opposition.

Many analysts assert that Shehu Sani's political capital resides more at the national level than among local constituencies. He has recently expressed support for President Tinubu's administration, often defending federal policies.

Nevertheless, some locals believe that, unlike before, Sani's resonance with the general electorate has diminished compared to his former image as a vocal critic during the Buhari administration.

Ahmed Usman Ahmed, an APC leader from Kaduna South, has observed that candidates like Yarima Shattima and Aminu Zaria might benefit from favorable public perceptions, citing their limited political tenures.

Moreover, he pointed out the potential for vote splitting between Sani and Mairago, as they both hail from Kaduna South, while Zailani can focus on his grassroots appeal.

Observers foresee that El-Rufai, despite stepping away from APC, maintains significant political influence in several Local Government Areas in the central zone, which could pose challenges for other nominees unlikely to align with him.

As the campaign intensifies, it is expected that candidates unable to clinch the senatorial ticket may receive compensation through other high-profile federal appointments.

Support for President Tinubu is viewed by some as part of the broader political maneuvering among those vying for the Senate candidacy.

For both Shehu Sani and Mairago, national networks and connections with Abuja present substantial assets, whereas Zailani retains his stronghold at the grassroots level.

Navigating through the political landscape in Kaduna to obtain the APC nomination will be significantly challenging due to the formidable competition each contender represents, marking the first significant obstacle on the path to the Senate.