Yobe 2027: Coalition Backs Wali as APC Consensus Candidate, Senators Step Down

Yobe 2027: Coalition Backs Wali as APC Consensus Candidate, Senators Step Down

By  Njadvara Musa,Damaturu

A powerful political coalition, encompassing all 17 local government areas of Yobe State, has expressed its support for Alhaji Baba Malam Wali’s governorship ambition, urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt him as its consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of 17 Local Government Areas Progressive Movement (COLGAS), announced its “strategic and unconditional” endorsement on Saturday in Damaturu, describing Wali as the most suitable candidate to lead the state.

Addressing supporters at the gathering, the chairman of the coalition, Hon. Mohammed Musa Potiskum, declared that the movement was “100 per cent committed” to Wali’s emergence while also reaffirming loyalty to the APC, Governor Mai Mala Buni and the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam.

Mr Potiskum disclosed that two prominent governorship aspirants—Senators Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Musa Mustapha—had agreed to step down from the race in a move aimed at fostering unity within the party and strengthening Wali’s candidacy.

He commended the senators for what he described as their “political maturity and sacrifice,”, noting that their decision reflects a shared commitment to the stability and progress of Yobe State.

The coalition said its endorsement was based on Wali’s track record in public service, particularly during his tenure as secretary to the state government, as well as his longstanding grassroots engagement and focus on tackling insecurity, improving education, and expanding infrastructure.

In his remarks, COLGAS Patron Abubakar Bala Dada urged residents of the state to rally behind Wali, describing his emergence as divinely guided. “Consensus has always brought peace and development in Yobe. This is another opportunity to sustain that tradition,” he said.

Similarly, the chairman of the Baba Malam Wali Unity Alliance, Mohammad Saleh Ahmed, portrayed the aspirant as a seasoned technocrat with the experience and competence required to deliver effective governance. He added that Wali’s leadership would consolidate gains already recorded in the state.

Mr Ahmed also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in strengthening internal democracy within the ruling party, which he believes is crucial for fostering a more inclusive political environment and ensuring that all party members have a voice in decision-making.

Speaking on behalf of women in the state, COLGAS Women Leader Falmata Ibrahim Gaji expressed strong support for Wali’s ambition, ensuring that women across Yobe were fully mobilised in his favour. She said his administration would build on the achievements of Governor Buni if elected.

The coalition called on party leaders, stakeholders, and civil society organisations to align with their positions, urging the APC to ensure a transparent process that reflects the popular will of its members ahead of the 2027 governorship election.