The Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended five governorship aspirants for withdrawing from the 2027 governorship race in the interest of party unity and stability.
The aspirants are former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, Senator Musa Mustapha, Alhaji Lawan Kolo Geidam and Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Damaturu, the APC State Chairman, Mohammed Gadaka, described their decision as mature, patriotic and a demonstration of commitment to the unity and progress of the party in Yobe.
He said the withdrawal of the aspirants had strengthened confidence among party members and reinforced cohesion ahead of future political activities in the state.
The development followed the withdrawal announcement by Baba, who said his decision came after extensive consultations with political leaders, elders and stakeholders within and outside Yobe.
The former police chief explained that he held exhaustive meetings with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, political associates and other stakeholders across the 17 local government areas of the state before arriving at the decision.
“After due consultations and exhaustive meetings with the Vice-President, the Executive Governors of Yobe and Borno states, elders and political associates, as well as some very critical stakeholders across the seventeen Local Government Areas, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Baba stated.
He described the decision as difficult but necessary, saying it was a sacrifice made in the interest of APC unity, stability and the overall progress of Yobe.
“The decision was not arrived at easily; it is voluntary but an obvious sacrifice we must make in the interest of party unity, stability and progress of our dear state,” he added.
Baba urged his supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and continue supporting the APC and whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yobe State despite stepping down from the contest.
Gadaka further commended Governor Buni for what he described as a stabilising leadership style that had continued to promote reconciliation, inclusiveness and effective conflict management within the APC in Yobe.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership for entrusting the governor with strategic party responsibilities, including his appointment as Chairman of the APC Presidential Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation.
