By Maryam Abdul-aziz Usman

DAMATURU — The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Yobe State, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, has visited 13 of the state’s 14 recognised emirates as part of consultations with traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The consultation with the Fika Emirate was postponed because the Emir is currently out of the country and will be rescheduled upon his return.

The visits were aimed at seeking the blessings, prayers, advice and support of traditional rulers ahead of the election.

At the various palaces, Wali and his delegation were received by traditional rulers, political stakeholders and residents, with some of the emirates expressing support for the APC candidate.

Wali also received traditional honours in some of the emirates. The Emir of Jajere, Dr Mai Hamza Buba Ibn Isa Mashio, conferred on him the title of Sardaunan Jajere Emirate, while the Emir of Potiskum, Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa, bestowed on him the title of Zanna Kaloma of Potiskum.

The Jajere Emirate also presented cows to Wali as traditional gifts.

Speaking during the consultations, Wali said the visits were not solely about his governorship ambition but also aimed at seeking support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Mai Mala Buni and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged the people to support the APC at the federal, state and legislative levels.

Wali said his ambition was based on continuity and consolidation, promising to build on the development initiatives of former Governor Ibrahim Geidam and Governor Buni if elected.

At Gudi Emirate, the Emir, Alhaji Ismaila Ahmed Ibn Maidugu Kahji, commended the administrations of Geidam and Buni for their contributions to the development of the emirate.

He said the emirate would support Wali to ensure continuity.

The APC state chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, said the delegation embarked on the consultations at the directive of Governor Buni to seek the blessings, guidance and support of traditional rulers.

Gadaka urged traditional institutions and their subjects to remain united behind the APC and support Tinubu, Wali and other party candidates in the 2027 elections.

The consultations also featured appeals to eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and participate actively in the elections.

At one of the engagements, the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, urged residents to obtain their voter cards and support the APC.

He highlighted development projects in the area, including two specialist hospitals in Jajere, boreholes, modern markets nearing completion and road projects linking Sabon Gari with Kayeri and Shangele.

Wali thanked the traditional rulers and residents of the 13 emirates for their reception, prayers and support, assuring them that their concerns and developmental aspirations would remain central to his agenda.

Members of the delegation included the APC deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Saleh Samanja; Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomoi; Speaker Chiroma Buba Mashio; Hon. Fatima Talba; Hon. Mohammed Buba Jajere; Hon. Tijjani Zannah Zakariya; former Deputy Governor and former Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Aliyu Saleh Bagare; and other political and government officials.