A major political coalition representing the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Yobe state has officially endorsed governorship aspirant Baba Malam Wali for the 2027 election, claiming that two prominent senators have agreed to step down in his favor.
The group, Coalition of 17 Local Government Areas Progressive Movement (COLGAS), announced its unconditional support for Wali on Saturday during a solidarity gathering in Damaturu, Yobe state.
Speaking at the event, COLGAS Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Musa Potiskum, declared that the coalition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam “100 percent behind” Wali.
He commended Senators Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Musa Mustapha for what he described as their courage in accepting to step down from the governorship contest based on the choice of APC stakeholders in the state.
Potiskum cited former Yobe Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Baba Malam Wali’s track record, grassroots connections, and commitment to addressing insecurity, education, and infrastructure challenges.
COLGAS Patron, Hon. Abubakar Bala Dada, urged residents to accept Wali as “God-sent,” adding, “What God did is the right one. We are all beneficiaries of consensus, and consensus brings peace and development as we have tried it several times in this state.”
Mohammad Saleh Ahmed, Chairman of the Baba Malam Wali Unity Alliance, described Wali as “a veteran technocrat and a man of proven skill,” stating that Yobe greatly profits from his pursuit of expertise and demonstrated ability.
He also conveyed deep gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and continued strengthening of democracy and unity within the party.
The coalition’s Woman Leader, Falmata Ibrahim Gaji, declared that women in Yobe are “100 percent behind” Wali’s candidacy, stating that Wali will build on the good works of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
The coalition called on other political stakeholders and civil society organizations to join forces behind Wali’s aspiration while urging the ruling party to ensure a level playing field that respects the popular choice.
