By Ahmed Hassan Ahmed
The Kaduna Central Senatorial District is fast becoming the focal point of political discourse in Kaduna State. With three prominent aspirants already in the race, the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a critical test of its internal democracy. The decision on how the primaries are conducted will determine whether the party emerges stronger or fractured ahead of the general elections.
Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central between 2015 and 2019, is no stranger to the political terrain. His reputation as an activist and a former Senator continue to shape perceptions of his candidacy because some people see him as someone who is not very close to the grassroots. Allegations that he is the “anointed consensus candidate” have raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether such a move would respect the APC’s constitution or undermine its democratic ethos.
Hon. Yusuf Zailani, Speaker of the 9th Kaduna State House of Assembly, is widely regarded as the people’s choice. His open-door policy, philanthropic gestures, and track record of developmental projects have endeared him to the grassroots. Zailani’s role in mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections underscores his political influence. With years of legislative experience and regional clout as former chairman of the Northern Speakers Forum, he commands respect across Kaduna Central and beyond.
Comrade Yerima Usman Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, brings a background rooted in activism rather than politics. His voice has resonated with northern youths, but his lack of legislative experience and political structures makes him the least formidable of the three. While his candidacy reflects the aspirations of young activists, it is unlikely to challenge the entrenched political machinery of his rivals.
What is significant at this stage is that all three aspirants, Shehu Sani, Yusuf Zailani, and Yerima Shettima have secured the APC expression of interest and nomination forms. This signals their readiness to face the primaries head-on. Their willingness to contest openly underscores the importance of a level playing field.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, has emphasized that consensus candidates must enjoy the full backing of all aspirants. This principle is not a mere formality, it is the bedrock of internal democracy. Anything short of transparent primaries risks alienating party members, fracturing the APC, and weakening its chances in the general election.
Kaduna Central is too strategic to gamble with. The imposition of a candidate would not only breed resentment but could also erode voter confidence. Electorates are more likely to rally behind candidates they feel connected to, not those imposed from above. A transparent primary process, conducted in line with the party’s constitution, is the only path to legitimacy.
Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Tinubu are well aware of the prevailing sentiments. The widespread view is that Yusuf Zailani enjoys overwhelming grassroots support. It is also generally believed that Zailani contributed his personal resources towards the campaign of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the run up to the 2023 general elections Yet, leadership demands impartiality. Their responsibility is not to tilt the scales but to guarantee fairness.
By encouraging open and credible primaries, the APC can strengthen its democratic credentials and secure victory in Kaduna Central.
The stakes go beyond Kaduna Central. How the APC handles this contest will send a message to the rest of the country about its commitment to internal democracy. A fair primary will energize the base, unify the party, and project an image of credibility. Conversely, imposition will breed division, weaken morale, and hand the opposition an easy advantage.
Kaduna Central deserves a senator chosen by the people, not imposed by political elites. The APC must resist the temptation of shortcuts and embrace the democratic process. Only through free and fair primaries can the party ensure unity, credibility, and success at the polls.
This contest is not just about personalities, it is about principles and followership. The integrity of the process will determine whether the APC emerges stronger or fractured.
For Kaduna Central, and for the party at large, the choice is clear: Democracy must prevail or cracks will appear in the APC before 2027. This is exactly what is happening in Nasarawa, Gombe and Katsina States.
Ahmed Hassan Ahmed
DFID/Kaduna State Ministry of Education International Award Winning Journalist (2008), he writes from Kaduna.
Two Times Participant, CNN African Journalism Awards Competition.
