Three Zamfara APC chieftains have dragged the party’s state chairman, Tukur Danfulani, before a State High Court in Gusau, challenging their suspension, which they described as illegal and unconstitutional.
The plaintiffs are Babangida Shinkafi, APC Chairman of Shinkafi South Ward; Kabiru Ibrahim, Welfare Secretary of Shinkafi Local Government; and Ibrahim Kurya, representative of Persons with Disabilities. They were suspended after attending a November 11 stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front, a political bloc loyal to Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.
Party leaders loyal to Danfulani accused the trio of engaging in anti-party activities by participating in the meeting. However, the suspended officials argue that their suspension was issued verbally by the Shinkafi Local Government Chairman, Ibrahim Bama, without any formal notice, written allegations, or opportunity to defend themselves.
In their suit, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that they remain bona fide members of the APC, and that any attempt to suspend, expel, intimidate, or harass them is unlawful. They also want the court to nullify the suspension and restrain the party leadership from further punitive actions against them.
This legal action underscores the internal divisions within Zamfara APC, which has faced repeated crises since its electoral setbacks in recent years. Analysts note that factionalism, imposition of candidates, and marginalization of key members have weakened the party’s cohesion in the state.
The lawsuit reflects broader tensions within the APC nationwide, where disputes over loyalty, factional alignments, and internal democracy have frequently led to suspensions and expulsions. In Zamfara, the stakes are particularly high as the party seeks to rebuild its influence ahead of future elections.
