2027: Goje Rejects APC Consensus In Gombe, Insists On Primaries

Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has rejected the consensus arrangement adopted by the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring it inconsistent with electoral provisions.

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LEADERSHIP recalls that stakeholders of the party, during a meeting on Sunday presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, anointed DCP Mohammed Ahmadu Deba (Rtd) as the APC’s consensus candidate for Gombe Central seat, being occupied by Goje currently.

However, in a statement issued by his aide, Barrister Saidu Muazu Kumo, Goje—who is seeking a record fifth term in the Senate—argued that the purported consensus meeting involved only the governor and a limited number of aspirants, “and did not include all duly recognized aspirants within the party.”

According to him, the provisions of the Electoral Act clearly stipulate two lawful methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

“These methods must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral process,” the statement read.

“It is further noteworthy that across the various electoral constituencies, several aspirants have validly purchased their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, and were not participants in the said consensus arrangement held at the Government House,” he added.

Kumo further stated that, in accordance with the extant electoral framework, the nomination process should be conducted through direct primary elections to be duly monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies, at a date to be slated by the party.

He maintained that any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP reports that the stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday and presided over by Governor Yahaya, the party adopted Jamilu Gwamna as its consensus governorship candidate.

Party stakeholders also ratified consensus candidates for the state’s three senatorial districts, six House of Representatives seats, and 24 State House of Assembly constituencies.

Among those adopted for Senate seats were DCP Mohammed Ahmadu Deba (Rtd) for Gombe Central, Hon. Jerry Damara for Gombe South, and Governor Yahaya for Gombe North.

For the House of Representatives, the party adopted Hon. Usman Bello Kumo for Akko Federal Constituency; Hon. Inuwa Garba for Yamaltu/Deba; Hon. Ali Isa JC for Balanga/Billiri; Hon. Fatima Binta Bello for Kaltungo/Shongom; Hon. Saddam Bello for Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye; and Hon. Jamilu Shabewa for Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency.

The meeting was attended by governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly aspirants, members of the State Working Committee, party elders, and other senior stakeholders, including the APC Deputy National Financial Secretary and North-East zonal officials.

According to the party, the adoption of consensus candidates followed extensive consultations led by Governor Yahaya with party elders, executive members, aspirants, and grassroots stakeholders, in a move aimed at strengthening internal cohesion, reducing friction, and presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the development appears to have edged out Goje from the Gombe Central senatorial race, while former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ibrahim Ali Pantami, who had been touted as a preferred governorship contender, may also have lost out in the state’s governorship contest.