Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have rejected the endorsement of former Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, as a consensus governorship candidate, declaring support for Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai.
The stakeholders, drawn from the three geopolitical zones of the state, stated their position on Sunday at a meeting held in Potiskum.Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the organisers, Yusuf Zaki, faulted the process that produced Wali, saying it lacked broad consultation.
“The decision did not emanate from the majority of party members across the three zones and does not reflect the wishes of the grassroots,” he said.Zaki added that no individual or group should impose a candidate on party members, insisting that the party belongs to all.
He also took a swipe at former governor and current Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, saying he should not make unilateral decisions on behalf of the party.“Our candidate is Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, and we are ready to test our popularity in a free and fair primary election,” he said.
Another chieftain, Ibrahim Ibbiyo, also rejected Wali’s endorsement, describing the process as lacking transparency and fairness.“What we want is a level playing field where all aspirants can test their popularity before delegates,” he said.Also speaking, Idi Jugujugu said the group remained committed to supporting Bomai, whom he described as widely acceptable across the state.
“We will mobilise our supporters to ensure that the will of the majority prevails at the primary election. There should be no room for imposition,” he said.Daily Trust had earlier reported how a governorship aspirant of the APC in the State, Kashim Musa Tumsah, rejected the adoption of Baba Malam Wali as the party’s consensus candidate.
He warned against any attempt to manipulate the process in favour of any candidate, noting that such actions could undermine the credibility of the party.Tumsah later obtained 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.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali, had also faulted the arrangement, saying that his understanding of the party’s consensus model was based on voluntary agreement among aspirants to support a single candidate.
Alkali, who joined the Yobe governorship race, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Damaturu.
