ABUJA — A senior figure in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential campaign has warned against what he describes as a politically orchestrated effort to destabilize governance in Zamfara State through calls for a state of emergency.
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, Patron of the Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Executive Director of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, issued the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
Shinkafi alleged that certain unnamed political actors are lobbying for an emergency declaration in Zamfara—despite what he calls a lack of constitutional grounds for such an action.
“We have observed recent calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara State which appear to be driven by political interests,” he said. “Such action would contradict the provisions of the Constitution and could set a dangerous precedent.”
According to Shinkafi, the calls are an attempt to derail the current administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal, which he described as actively focused on restoring security and driving reform since taking office in May 2023.
“The aim of this plot seems to be to distract from the genuine efforts being made by Governor Lawal’s administration to improve governance and security,” he said.
Shinkafi cited Sections 188 and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that Zamfara State does not meet the legal threshold for a declaration of emergency. He warned that any move to suspend democratic structures in the state would not only be unconstitutional but could trigger wider instability.
“Political stability must be preserved,” he said. “We must avoid actions that could incite tension or derail ongoing reforms.”
The former campaign official also pointed to recent progress in Zamfara, including enhanced security efforts supported by federal authorities, a new ₦70,000 minimum wage policy for civil servants, and broader efforts to reform public administration.
He called on political actors to refrain from premature campaigning and instead focus on delivering real development to the people.
“This is a time for leadership, not politicking,” Shinkafi said. “The general elections are still years away. Let us concentrate on good governance and build a better future for Zamfara.”
