A Federal High Court in Gusau has begun hearing a pre-election suit filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, Zamfara North Senatorial aspirant, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, challenging his exclusion from the party’s primary election.

The suit, before Justice Hassan Dikko, has the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura as first to third defendants.

Shinkafi is asking the court to nullify the senatorial primary election over what he described as his unlawful exclusion from the process.

When the matter came up for mention on Tuesday, proceedings could not progress due to unresolved issues relating to INEC’s participation in the case.

The court adjourned the matter to June 25 and directed that INEC appear and that all parties exchange pleadings before the next hearing date.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Bello Galadi, said he was confident in his client’s case, noting that the court would ensure justice is served.

Counsel to Senator Kaura, Jaysey Sharka, confirmed that the matter is still at the hearing stage.

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has criticised the worsening security situation in the country, urging the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to protect lives and property.

In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, the council said Nigerians continue to face killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, banditry and other violent crimes despite repeated assurances from authorities.

The group described the situation as alarming, pointing to recent attacks and mass abductions in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states, as well as the kidnapping of a retired army general and his wife in Katsina State. It said these incidents highlight how vulnerable many communities remain after years of insecurity.

According to the council, many tragedies experienced across the country do not make headlines, while reports from security and human rights organisations show that thousands of people have been killed, abducted or displaced in recent months.

“Behind each statistic lies a human story, a life cut short or disrupted, a grieving family, and a community forced to live in fear, uncertainty, and insecurity,” the statement said.

The council expressed frustration that repeated calls by citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups for stronger government action have produced little progress.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees, and official rhetoric not backed by action or results. What the nation needs now is decisive action and measurable results,” it stated.

SCSN stressed that providing security is a constitutional responsibility of government and not a favour to citizens. It warned that leaders must either effectively carry out their duties or make way for those who can.

“The time has come for those entrusted with leadership to either effectively perform their responsibilities or relinquish their positions to those who can,” the council saidWhile criticising the government’s handling of insecurity, the council praised members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and dedication.

It also called for greater transparency in the use of security funds, noting that trillions of naira have been spent on defence and intelligence operations over the years. The council argued that Nigerians deserve answers on how those resources have been used as insecurity continues to worsen.

The group urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, technology, border security, inter-agency cooperation and community participation to tackle criminal networks.

“The nation demands action. The time for excuses has passed. The time for demonstration of decisive and competent leadership is now,” the statement concluded.