Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to fair, credible and transparent primary elections where consensus is not achieved, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Buni stated this while speaking on the party’s internal processes, stressing that although consensus remains the preferred option, the APC would not hesitate to adopt direct primaries if stakeholders fail to reach agreement.
He explained that the emergence of Baba Mallam Wali as a preferred candidate followed resolutions of a critical stakeholders’ meeting held on 23 April 2026, where he was endorsed through consensus arrangements.
“However, if there is no general agreement, we shall adopt the election mode,” the governor said.
Recalling the 2019 primaries, Buni noted that he himself emerged through a contested process after initially being a consensus candidate, adding that the party was prepared to repeat such a process if necessary.
“This is not new. In 2019, I was nominated as a consensus candidate… a few other aspirants contested the decision, and we went for election where I emerged with a very wide margin,” he said.
The governor disclosed that ongoing consultations were being intensified to resolve differences among stakeholders and aspirants through dialogue.
According to him, the administration remains committed to party unity and peaceful internal democracy.
“As the Governor of the state, I will be the happiest person to see the state and party peaceful and united,” Buni said.
He emphasized that as a former National Chairman of the APC, he remains deeply committed to the stability and growth of the party.
Buni added that political aspirations within the state are driven by the desire to serve the people and improve livelihoods, noting that Yobe remains a strong example of internal democracy and political transparency.
He called on party members to promote unity and work collectively to ensure victory for all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, including the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I call on all APC members in the state to promote unity and generate more support for the party to remain Yobe and Nigeria’s ruling political party,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed that the party would ensure inclusiveness and support whoever eventually emerges as its candidate at all levels of election.
