Damaturu: Six APC governorship contenders in Yobe State have rejected the party’s consensus plan, setting up a high-stakes showdown.
They called the move unlawful, divisive, and against party principles.
The aspirants stated their position in a communiqué after a meeting in Abuja.
The document, shared later in Damaturu, was signed by Usman Baba and Mustapha Maihaja.
Others were Ibrahim Bomai, Lawan Geidam, Kashim Tumsah and Bashir Machina.
The aspirants said the endorsement violated the Electoral Act 2026.
They categorically stated that the action violated the APC’s constitution.
“The endorsement did not follow legal procedure,” the communiqué stated.
They insisted that consensus must follow lawful steps.
Any consensus should be transparent, inclusive, and accepted by all.
Such measures, they argued, would build confidence in party democracy.
Skipping due process, they warned, could threaten legitimacy. Unity must not undermine justice.
All aspirants, they said, deserve equal opportunities in the race.
They said sincere and fair dialogue is possible.
However, they demanded direct primaries if consensus fails, calling it the fairest democratic option.
They urged the party to ensure an open and credible process.
The aspirants also questioned the Yobe APC chairman’s conduct, accusing him of partisanship in consultations.
They asserted, “The chairman is compromised in managing this process.”
They said his role could erode stakeholder trust.
They demanded that he immediately and unconditionally withdraw from primary duties.
They insisted that only an impartial official should oversee the nomination.
Despite the dispute, they firmly reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC national leadership.
They expressed full faith in the leadership’s commitment to fairness and justice.
The aspirants also pledged support for President Bola Tinubu, backing his 2027 re-election bid.
They stated, “Our loyalty to the party and President Tinubu is unwavering.”
