Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has reacted to allegations by some aspirants who accused him of using his influence in the nomination of candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor dismissed the concerns, stating that everyone within the party understands their political strength, influence, and capacity.
His remarks come amid growing tension within the Gombe APC over the party’s consensus arrangement for selecting candidates ahead of the elections.
One of the prominent voices opposing the arrangement is former Gombe State governor and Senator representing Gombe Central, Mohammed Danjuma Goje, who is seeking another term in the Senate.
Goje reportedly rejected the consensus method adopted by the party and insisted on the conduct of a primary election to determine the party’s candidates.
Similarly, immediate-past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, also rejected the consensus process and raised concerns over the need to follow due process, stressing that legal means could be explored in pursuing justice.
But, responding to reservations about the choice of APC consensus candidates for the 2027 elections, Governor Yahaya said the process was not yet concluded, noting that it was part of the new procedures designed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling party.
“This is not the end of the process. This is among the new procedures designed by INEC and the party, and we followed it. If some party members feel it does not suit them, they will proceed to the next stage,” he said.
Yahaya, who spoke in a video interview with Gombe State Media Corporation, said that the arrangement was reached with the agreement of the aspirants, describing it as the easiest and most suitable way of adopting candidates within the party.
“You know there are three procedures for selecting candidates in the party. There is direct primary, delegate election, and the one we adopted, which is consensus,” he stated.
The governor further emphasised that the process was not the final stage, adding that there were still opportunities for all aspirants to participate and contest for elective positions.
“Everybody knows his weight, his capability and what he can do in this movement,” Governor Yahaya stated
