JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State on Sunday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is committed to conducting free, fair and transparent primary elections if consensus candidates fail to emerge.
This was contained in a statement by Buni Director General, Press and Media, Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu.
Six APC governorship aspirants in the state have rejected the candidate endorsed by key critical stakeholders of the party, Baba Wali, and called for the conduct of credible direct primary elections.
The aspirants are Ibrahim Bomoi, Bashir Machina, Kashim Musa-Tumsah, Mustapha Maihaja, Lawan Kolo and Rtd. Inspector General of Police Mohammed Baba.
Buni said the party has not precluded the direct election mode to produce its candidates for contestable positions for the 2027 general elections.
“The emergence of Wali as the party’s preferred candidate followed the resolutions of the critical stakeholders’ meeting on April 23, 2026.
“He has been supported and adopted as the preferred candidate, but if there is no general agreement, we will adopt the electoral mode.
“This is nothing new. In 2019, I was nominated as the consensus candidate, some other aspirants challenged the decision and we went to elections where I emerged as the party candidate with a very large margin. We are ready to repeat that history if we fail to reach consensus,” he said.
The governor said the party is still trying to reach an amicable solution through dialogue with the aggrieved aspirants and other stakeholders.
“I will be the happiest person to see the state and the party peaceful and united. We remain citizens of Yobe State and members of the APC. My expectation is to see us more united and work collectively for our candidates to win the 2027 general elections.
“As a founding member, former Secretary and National Chairman of the APC, the unity and progress of the party means a lot to me personally. I will continue to uphold and protect the ideals of the party to remain the ruling political party in Nigeria,” Buni said.
The governor expressed optimism that aspirations for public office by all state aspirants are driven by the desire to serve the people for a better and better life.
(NAN)
