Borno Reps Aspirant Rejects Consensus, Demands Direct Primaries

A House of Representatives aspirant for Borno Central Federal Constituency (MMC), Hon. Abdulsalam Mustapha Kachalla, has rejected the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ongoing consensus arrangement for the 2027 primaries in the state, insisting on direct primaries to allow party members freely choose candidates.

Kachalla, alongside three other aspirants, is contesting the seat against the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Abdulrahis Kadiri, who is seeking a fourth term in the House of Representatives for the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) constituency.

The proposed consensus arrangement, reportedly backed by party leadership including Governor Babagana Zulum, is said to favour the incumbent.

Under the Electoral Act, political parties are permitted to adopt either direct primaries or consensus. However, consensus is only valid where all cleared aspirants voluntarily withdraw and endorse a single candidate, subject to ratification at a special congress. Where any aspirant declines, direct primaries are required.

Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Saturday, Kachalla, popularly known as “Bomboy,” said there has been no clear communication on the guidelines for the primaries.

“We are not aware of what is going on. As far as we are concerned, nothing is happening,” he said. “We have written to the party to give us the guideline on how the election would be conducted, but as of today, no guideline has been given to us.”

He called for the cancellation of the proposed consensus arrangement and demanded direct primaries.

“We are calling on the party to cancel the primaries. I am still in the race. Free, fair and credible direct primaries where every aspirant will participate is what we want.

“The national headquarters of the APC should conduct free, fair and credible direct primaries for us,” he said.

Meanwhile, a letter obtained by our correspondent and signed by four aspirants — Kachalla, Kanselem Alkali Alamin, Chiroma Usman, and Engr. Yahaya Ahmed — also rejected the consensus plan.

Addressed to the chairman of the Borno Central APC Reconciliation Committee, the letter acknowledged the committee’s peace efforts but insisted on open, transparent primaries.

The aspirants said they had consulted widely with their supporters and maintained that direct primaries remain the most democratic and legitimate method for selecting a candidate.

They argued that such a process would strengthen internal democracy, enhance legitimacy, and improve the party’s chances in the general elections.

They urged the committee to factor their position into ongoing consultations with party leadership and stakeholders.