Yobe APC Chieftain Warns Against Imposed Candidates for 2027

Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed Ibbiyo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, has strongly opposed any purported efforts to pre- determine the successor of Governor Mai Mala Buni for the 2027 governorship election. He issued a stern warning that any actions taken to circumvent party procedures and electoral guidelines would be met with legal opposition.

Recent reports suggest that certain party stakeholders have publicly backed the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malum Wali, as the preferred candidate to succeed Governor Buni. Ibbiyo commented on these reports, alleging that a deliberate media campaign is underway to promote favoured individuals. He asserted that these individuals purportedly lack the necessary experience, broad exposure, and capability required to advance Yobe State.

Furthermore, Ibbiyo accused some politicians of actively working to diminish the standing of potential frontrunners for the 2027 governorship contest through sponsored media reports. He claimed that these newspaper articles are government-orchestrated initiatives designed to bolster the prospects of individuals perceived as the favoured choices of the current administration and influential figures within the APC.

According to Ibbiyo, governments that wish to obscure their past actions often favour successors who will either replicate their governance style or conceal their previous missteps. However, he emphasized that the residents of Yobe are more focused on a candidate's competence, capability, credibility, and commitment to genuine development rather than succumbing to 'godfather politics'.

The APC chieftain argued that when the alleged 'government candidates' are evaluated alongside other potential aspirants, they significantly fall short in crucial aspects. He named Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, Kashim Musa Tumsah, Alhaji Lawan Kolo, and Hon. Jibrin Maigari as individuals deserving of consideration for leadership roles in the state.

"When you place the so-called 'government candidates' side by side with other credible options, it becomes clear that none of the anointed candidates comes close in terms of experience, exposure, and capacity to develop the state," he stated.

He also invoked a common Hausa phrase, "da na ci amanan megidana gara na mutu" (I would rather die than betray my benefactor), to highlight blind loyalty to political patrons. However, he cautioned against such unwavering allegiance when it deviates from truth and justice.

"Loyalty without truth is slavery. If your benefactor does not stand on the path of justice, following him blindly is a disservice to the people," he advised.

Ibbiyo reminded party stakeholders that the APC's constitution and the electoral guidelines clearly outline the processes for candidate selection. He warned against any attempts to bypass these established procedures, stating, "In my view, the guidelines for producing a successor are clearly spelt out in the electoral framework and the APC constitution. Any attempt to sidestep these guidelines will be resisted — we will meet in court, and history may well repeat itself," he declared, without further clarification on the historical precedent he alluded to.