Six governorship aspirants under the platform of the All Progressives Congress have openly rejected the reported endorsement of former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State. The aspirants maintained that only a transparent, credible, and constitutionally recognised primary election process would be acceptable ahead of the party’s governorship selection. Their resolution was contained in a joint statement released after a strategic meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, where the politicians discussed issues affecting the future of the party in Yobe State. Among those who attended the meeting were Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, senator representing Yobe South; Bashir Sheriff Machina, former Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; and Kashim Musa Tumsah, a former board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. Other aspirants involved include Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, former Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Lawan Kolo Geidam, former Mandate Secretary for Youth and Sports in the Federal Capital Territory; and Mohammed Alkali Baba, former Inspector-General of Police. The aspirants collectively described the alleged adoption of Baba Mallam Wali as inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the constitution guiding the APC. According to the statement, the endorsement process did not comply with the established legal and democratic procedures expected in selecting a consensus candidate within the party. Part of the communiqué stated that the reported endorsement failed to align with the requirements of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the APC constitution, making the process unacceptable to the concerned aspirants. They further stressed that all relevant legal provisions relating to consensus arrangements must be strictly observed to guarantee the emergence of a credible and widely accepted governorship candidate for the party in Yobe State. The aspirants also warned that where a genuine consensus cannot be reached among all interested parties, the APC should organise direct primary elections that are free, transparent, and credible in line with the party’s official guidelines. According to them, the proper procedures were not followed in the alleged selection of Baba Mallam Wali as the consensus candidate, adding that any consensus arrangement must comply fully with existing electoral laws and internal party regulations. The development may signal growing political tension within the APC in Yobe State as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 governorship election cycle. Political observers believe that the insistence on direct primaries by the aspirants could influence internal party dynamics and shape future political alignments within the state chapter of the APC. For more Nigerian political developments and breaking news updates, visitLMSINT MEDIA
Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering support for the current governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, amid the ongoing political tension in Rivers State. Speaking during a public gathering held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Odili described Governor Fubara as the legitimate political leader of Rivers State and emphasized that the people remain solidly behind him despite the challenges confronting his administration. According to the former governor, Rivers people are united in their backing of Fubara and have entrusted him with the responsibility of delivering that message directly to the governor. He encouraged Fubara not to waver, stressing that his leadership enjoys widespread grassroots support across the state. Odili further stated that the loyalty of Rivers residents is not conditional, noting that wherever the governor chooses to stand politically, the people are prepared to stand alongside him. He assured Fubara that he is firmly positioned on solid ground and advised him to remain steadfast and place his trust in God throughout the political turbulence. The former governor’s remarks come at a time when political tensions have resurfaced following a renewed confrontation between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a development that has continued to draw national attention. Observers believe Odili’s declaration is a significant political endorsement, given his influence in Rivers State politics and his long-standing role in shaping the state’s political structure. His statement is widely interpreted as a morale booster for Governor Fubara as the crisis unfolds.
Kindly Share:
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed rumours of a fallout between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. This follows growing speculation that the President may be considering another candidate as his running mate if he secures the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election in 2027. At one point, it was reported that the Vice President was allegedly denied access to the President at the Presidential Villa. In a more recent development, the APC leadership in the North-East, headed by Mustapha Salihu, threw public support behind President Tinubu without mentioning Shettima. This move triggered a reaction from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who led a protest over the endorsement of Tinubu by the APC North-East without involving Shettima. However, during an appearance on Channels Television on Wednesday, Minister Mohammed Idris described the alleged conflict as imaginary and baseless. “This supposed feud exists only in the minds of those who want to believe it,” Idris stated. “I have personally seen the President and the Vice President working together closely, and I’ve been in the same room with both of them recently.” When asked about the possibility of Shettima not being on the 2027 presidential ticket with Tinubu, Idris responded, “Where did you hear that? Was Shettima’s name mentioned when Tinubu was given the ticket the first time? The selection of a vice president is entirely at the discretion of the President.” He continued, “President Tinubu selected Kashim Shettima, and they are collaborating excellently. I’m not aware of any disagreement or tension. These are mere fabrications.” Responding to the report that Shettima was at some point prevented from seeing the President, the Minister dismissed it, comparing the situation to past political rifts. “This is not a case of Atiku and Obasanjo. Tinubu and Shettima have a long-standing relationship. I see no sign that President Tinubu intends to replace his Vice President,” he asserted. “Just yesterday, Vice President Shettima was representing the President at the banquet hall. Almost every week, you’ll find him attending major functions on behalf of the President.” Idris concluded by asking, “Has Vice President Kashim Shettima ever publicly stated that he has any issues with the President?”
