APC House of Representatives Primaries in Sokoto: Consensus Dominates as 2027 Elections Approach

May 16, (THEWILL) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State conducted its primary elections for House of Representatives candidates across the state’s eleven federal constituencies on Saturday, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections. The exercise, monitored by our correspondent, revealed a strong preference for consensus and affirmation over competitive voting, with candidates in ten constituencies emerging through party delegate endorsement. Voting was held in only one constituency: Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency.

Understanding the Primary Process: Consensus vs. Voting

In Nigerian political party primaries, two main methods are used to select candidates: consensus and direct voting. Consensus occurs when party stakeholders—including leaders, elders, and delegates—agree on a single candidate without a formal vote, often to avoid internal conflict and reduce costs. Direct voting, on the other hand, involves delegates casting ballots, which can be more democratic but also more contentious and expensive. The APC’s heavy reliance on consensus in Sokoto suggests a strategic effort to maintain party unity ahead of the 2027 elections, a common tactic in states where incumbents or well-connected figures hold sway.

For example, in the Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency, Ahmad Kalambaina was affirmed by delegates, signaling strong local support and minimal opposition. Similarly, Almustapha Ibrahim (Wurno/Rabah), Hassan Abubakar (Sokoto North/Sokoto South), and Nasiru Shehu Bodinga (Bodinga/Tureta/Dange-Shuni) were all endorsed without a vote. This pattern reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics where incumbents and party loyalists often secure nominations through consensus, reducing the risk of intra-party disputes that could weaken the party’s chances in the general election.

Key Candidates and Their Constituencies

The following candidates were affirmed by the APC in Sokoto State:

• Ahmad Kalambaina – Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency
• Almustapha Ibrahim – Wurno/Rabah Federal Constituency
• Hassan Abubakar – Sokoto North/Sokoto South Federal Constituency
• Nasiru Shehu Bodinga – Bodinga/Tureta/Dange-Shuni Federal Constituency
• Saidu Mohammed – Constituency not specified in original report
• Abubakar Zayyana – Constituency not specified in original report
• Sa’adu Abubakar Binji – Constituency not specified in original report
• Abba Shehu Tambuwal – Constituency not specified in original report

While the original article does not list the constituencies for the last four candidates, their affirmation indicates broad-based support across the state. For context, Sokoto State has 11 federal constituencies, and the APC’s ability to field candidates in all of them—especially through consensus—demonstrates organizational strength and grassroots engagement.

Voices from the Ground: Endorsements and Reactions

Speaker Tukur Bala Bodinga on Nasiru Shehu Bodinga’s Affirmation

Speaking during the affirmation exercise in Bodinga/Tureta/Dange-Shuni Federal Constituency, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, expressed satisfaction with the process. “What you are seeing here today is colourful and encouraging. We are pleased that he has no opposition within the constituency. The people have endorsed him for a second term,” he said. This statement underscores the importance of incumbency and local popularity in Nigerian politics. Nasiru Shehu Bodinga, the incumbent, appears to have built strong relationships with constituents and party leaders, making his re-nomination a formality.

Nasiru Shehu Bodinga’s Gratitude

In his response, Nasiru Shehu Bodinga thanked party leaders, delegates, and constituents for the confidence reposed in him. “I am deeply grateful for this show of unity and trust. I will not take it for granted,” he said. Such expressions of gratitude are common in Nigerian politics, where candidates often emphasize their commitment to service and representation.

Hin. Abdullahi Kalambaina’s Pledge for Kware/Wamakko

On his part, the candidate for Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency, Hin. Abdullahi Kalambaina, pledged to intensify efforts toward effective representation and improved service delivery if re-elected in 2027. “My focus remains on the people—their needs, their aspirations, and their development. I will work harder to ensure that Kware/Wamakko gets its fair share of federal resources,” he said. This pledge reflects a common campaign promise in Nigerian elections, where candidates often highlight infrastructure, education, and healthcare as priorities.

Broader Implications for the 2027 Elections

The APC’s primary in Sokoto offers several insights into the party’s strategy for the 2027 general elections:

• Unity and Discipline: By relying on consensus, the APC aims to avoid the internal divisions that often plague Nigerian parties during primaries. This approach can help the party present a united front against opposition candidates, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other challengers.
• Incumbency Advantage: Many of the affirmed candidates are incumbents or have strong ties to party leadership. This suggests that the APC is prioritizing experience and name recognition over fresh faces, a strategy that can be effective in retaining seats but may also limit the party’s appeal to younger voters.
• Local Dynamics: The only constituency where voting occurred—Yabo/Shagari—may indicate a more competitive internal race, possibly due to multiple strong contenders or a lack of consensus among stakeholders. This could be a point of vulnerability for the APC if the losing candidates decide to defect or run as independents.

Practical Example: What Consensus Means for Voters

For voters in Sokoto, the consensus process means that their choice in the general election will likely be between the APC candidate and candidates from other parties. While consensus can reduce the cost and drama of primaries, it also limits voter participation in the candidate selection process. In contrast, direct voting allows delegates—and sometimes all party members—to have a say. For instance, in the 2023 primaries, the PDP in some states used direct voting, which led to more competitive races but also more post-primary disputes.

Voters who want to influence candidate selection should engage with party structures early, attend ward and local government meetings, and support candidates who align with their interests. For those in Yabo/Shagari, the voting process offers a more direct opportunity to shape the outcome.

Conclusion

The APC’s House of Representatives primaries in Sokoto State highlight the party’s preference for consensus and affirmation as tools for maintaining unity and reducing internal conflict. With candidates like Nasiru Shehu Bodinga and Ahmad Kalambaina securing endorsements, the party appears well-positioned for the 2027 elections, though the voting in Yabo/Shagari serves as a reminder that not all contests are settled without competition. As the general election approaches, voters will watch closely to see whether these candidates deliver on their promises of effective representation and service delivery.

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