Yobe 2027: APC Stakeholders Reject Wali’s Endorsement, Demand Primary Election

Efforts to reach a consensus among governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State are shaky as some party stakeholders have rejected the consensus governorship candidate, Baba Malam Wali.

The opposing stakeholders drawn from the three senatorial zones, took their position at a meeting held in Potiskum local government area.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the group, Yusuf Zaki, criticised the process that led to the selection of Wali, saying it lacked proper consultation.

He said they organised the meeting to reject the endorsement of Baba Malam Wali by a few APC stakeholders in the state.

Yusuf Zaki said the decision did not emanate from the majority of the APC members in the three geopolitical zones and no consultations were made before taking the decision.

“The party belong to all its members, an individual should not make a unilateral decision on behalf of the party”, he said.

Zaki noted that their candidate is Senator Ibrahim Bomai and is ready to test his popularity in a free and fair primary election.

In their separate remarks, Ibrahim Ibbiyo and Idi Jugujugu also rejected Baba Malam Wali’s endorsement, describing the process as lacking transparency and fairness.

Similarly, a governorship aspirant of the APC Kashim Musa Tumsah had earlier rejected the endorsement of Baba Malam Wali as the party’s consensus candidate.

Kashim Musa Tumsah had already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms and  urged the leadership of the party to remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all contestants during the primary.

In a similar development, the former Inspector General of Police  of Police Alhaji Usman Baba Alkali has formally joined the Yobe State governorship race.

Speaking with journalists in Damaturu on Sunday, Alkali confirmed that four of the aspirants had also purchased their nomination forms, signalling a breakdown of all prior agreements.

He explained his understanding of the party’s consensus model, stating: “I clearly understood what the national president of our party said that consensus means the candidates should unite and agree to support one among them.

“That is the meaning of consensus. Now that this has not happened in Yobe, I have decided to go ahead with my ambition.”

He therefore, urged his supporters to remain steadfast and be ready for the governorship primary.