A significant political storm is brewing within the Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as three prominent governorship aspirants have vehemently rejected the proposed emergence of Baba Malam Wali as the party’s consensus candidate. The aggrieved aspirants are instead insisting on a transparent primary election, arguing that any attempt to impose a candidate would flagrantly violate both the APC constitution and the provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
The trio, collectively identified as the “G-3,” comprises seasoned politician and former Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Maihaja; former federal lawmaker, Bashir Machina; and Kashim Tumsah. Speaking to a gathering of journalists in Damaturu on Monday, Mr. Tumsah, who acted as the group’s spokesperson, asserted that the consensus arrangement had utterly failed due to a fundamental disregard for due process.
“The three of us are here to ensure that the right thing is done, especially now that the issue of consensus has not been properly resolved,” Mr. Tumsah declared. He further explained, “The process for consensus was not properly followed. That is why we are insisting that the process has failed, and we have the right to ask for direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act and the party guidelines.” This stance underscores a recurrent theme in Nigerian politics where the quest for internal democracy often clashes with elite-driven selection processes.
Mr. Tumsah minced no words, alleging that the move to adopt a consensus candidate was a clear act of imposition rather than a product of broad and genuine consultation among party stakeholders. “We want a process that allows party members to freely vote and choose the person they want to represent them as the APC candidate,” he emphasized, highlighting the aspirations of the party’s rank and file. He cautioned against any scenario where “results will simply be written without elections being conducted,” stressing that “the law guiding direct primaries should be strictly adhered to.”
The G-3 issued a stern warning that they are prepared to legally challenge the outcome of the candidate selection process if the party leadership fails to comply with the established legal and constitutional provisions. According to Mr. Tumsah, holding transparent and credible primary elections is not just a matter of fairness but is absolutely essential for preserving the APC’s credibility in Yobe State and preventing internal disputes that could severely weaken its chances in the forthcoming general election. “We are pledging that whoever emerges through a transparent, free and fair primary election, we will support and work with him to win the general election. Anything short of that will not be accepted,” he affirmed, drawing a clear line in the sand.
Adding his voice to the protest, Mr. Machina urged loyal party supporters to actively resist what he termed “attempts by a few individuals to impose candidates on the party.” He argued passionately that candidates produced through elite endorsements, rather than true democratic participation of the populace, may not genuinely represent the broader interests and aspirations of Yobe residents.
This unfolding development vividly signals growing internal tensions and deep-seated dissatisfaction within the Yobe APC ahead of the governorship primaries. The dispute is poised to rigorously test the party’s unwavering commitment to internal democracy and adherence to the rule of law, potentially having significant ramifications for its unity and electoral performance in the state.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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