Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally joined the race for the Yobe State governorship under the All Progressives Congress, APC, rejecting the party’s wish to adopt a consensus candidate for the 2027 election in the state.
Baba made his position known on Monday in Abuja after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms at the Abuja Continental Hotel, insisting that he remains in the contest and has not agreed to step down for any aspirant.
He said, “My joining the Yobe State governorship race comes amidst reports of internal party consultations, allegedly backing a former secretary to the Yobe State Government as a consensus candidate.
“With support said to be coming from influential political figures in the state, I have not agreed to any consensus arrangement. I have not participated in any of such meetings, and I have not agreed to support anybody,” he said.
He also noted that his decision to run is based on his belief that his experience in security and public service positions him to address the state’s challenges, particularly in the area of security, pointing out that “Provision of security is the primary objective of government. I have the capacity to do that.”
Baba stressed that “Without security, you cannot function effectively or carry out meaningful economic activity”, adding that insecurity remains the biggest obstacle to development in any society.
He highlighted agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation as key areas he intends to focus on if elected, describing Yobe as a largely agrarian state with significant development needs.
“We want to improve education, agriculture, and health and create employment opportunities for young people. I feel I have the passion, credibility, and capacity to lead Yobe State as governor,” he stated.
The APC in Yobe State is expected to conduct its governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 elections as prescribed by the party, as the incumbent governor, Mai Mala Buni, ends his second tenure in office.
Also, Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, declares his intention to contest the State Senatorial seat, representing Nasarawa North in the nation’s Red Chambers on Monday, as a delegation of senior political figures and government officials from the state formally submitted nomination forms for Governor Sule at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The forms were presented at the secretariat of the APC by a team led by former Secretary to the State Government, Timothy Anjide.
Speaking with journalists after the submission, Anjide said the governor’s decision to run for the senatorial position followed sustained calls from stakeholders and residents of the senatorial district, which comprises Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Wamba Local Government Areas.
“This is a decision driven by the people. We felt it was important to show that we are the ones urging him to contest,” Anjide said.
Addressing what Sule hopes to achieve in the Senate, Anjide framed the bid as a continuation of the governor’s current development agenda rather than a new direction.
He said Sule’s administration has focused on both infrastructure and human capital development, alongside efforts to promote unity and social cohesion across the state.
“He is not going to the Senate to start something new but to build on the experience and relationships he has developed over time,” he explained.
According to the delegation, this experience would enable the governor to attract further development not only to Nasarawa North but to the state at large.
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