Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna Central Senatorial District, alongside chairmen of seven local government areas, have endorsed former senator Shehu Sani as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Senate election.

The endorsement was announced during a meeting of party leaders and stakeholders in Kaduna State, where officials said the decision reflected a collective position of key political actors in the district.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, said the endorsement represented the consensus of elected local government chairmen, party executives and other stakeholders rather than an individual decision.

He noted that while party primaries were still expected, stakeholders had chosen Sani based on what they described as his political experience, credibility and popularity.

According to him, the endorsement was made on the belief that the former senator remains the strongest candidate capable of securing victory for the APC in the senatorial district.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, also urged party members to support the decision, saying alignment between Sani and Governor Uba Sani would accelerate development in the state.

He added that coordination between both political figures could enhance governance outcomes across Kaduna State if the arrangement materialises after the 2027 elections.

Local government chairmen from Chikun, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Ikara and Kajuru LGAs also backed the endorsement, highlighting Sani’s long history in democracy activism.

They described him as a longstanding pro-democracy figure who had faced repeated arrests and detention during his political activism, including a prison term they said was linked to his democratic struggles.

The chairmen said their support was based on his past record and influence, describing him as a tested political figure within the state.

In his response, Sani expressed appreciation for the endorsement, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.

He said the backing did not prevent other party members from contesting, stressing that internal democracy within the APC remained open for competition.

Sani also expressed confidence ahead of the 2027 election, saying he remained prepared to contest the party’s primaries.

He highlighted previous projects carried out during his tenure as senator, including contributions to schools, hospitals and social interventions in Kaduna Central.

The former senator further described Kaduna Central as a politically significant district, expressing optimism that it would deliver strong support for the APC in the 2027 general elections.