…… Pledges continuity of progressive leadership

By Ndahi Marama, Damaturu

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni, has officially received his Certificate of Return following his emergence as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election.

The certificate was presented on Friday after the conclusion and collation of results from the party’s governorship primary election conducted across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Yobe APC Governorship Primary Election Committee and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaka Rabe Darma, declared Baba Malam Wali winner of the exercise after securing 236,711 votes.

According to the official results announced at the collation centre, other aspirants scored as follows:

1. Abubakar Bukar Kagu — 9,748 votes
2. Bashir Sheriff — 1,894 votes
3. Yusuf Mustapha — 1,178 votes
4. Hamidu M. Alhaji — 1,722 votes
5. Inusa Mohd — 1,148 votes
6. Modu Maaji — 1,371 votes

Dr. Darma described the primary election as peaceful, transparent and consistent with the democratic values of the party, while commending delegates and stakeholders for their orderly conduct throughout the process.

In his acceptance speech, Baba Malam Wali expressed profound appreciation to delegates, party leaders and supporters across the state for the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged to strengthen unity within the APC and provide inclusive leadership anchored on continuity, development and collective progress if elected governor in 2027.

The APC candidate stated that he would consolidate on the achievements recorded under the administrations of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and former Governor and Chairman of APC critical stakeholders, Ibrahim Gaidam.

According to him, both leaders laid a solid foundation for growth and development in the state, describing himself as “a student of the two giant progressive leaders” whose leadership styles and commitment to service have continued to inspire him.

Baba Malam Wali also thanked aspirants who stepped down in his favour and appealed to those who contested alongside him to close ranks and work together for the success of the APC, stressing that the victory belongs to all party members across Yobe State.

He further expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, APC State Chairman Mohammed Gadaka and other party faithful for their support and encouragement throughout the process.

The primary election attracted broad participation, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, delegates and key stakeholders from all the 17 Local Government Areas of Yobe State.