The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has selected Alhaji Baba Malam Wali as its governorship candidate for the upcoming general election. This decision was reached following a direct primary election that saw him secure the highest number of votes among seven contenders.
Muttaka Rabe Darma, who chaired the electoral committee, disclosed the results. He pointed out that the election was fiercely contested by all seven aspirants: Baba Malam Wali, Hamidu Muhammad Alhaji, Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu, Bashir Shariff Machina, Engr. Yunusa Mustapha, Maaji Modu, and Inusa Mohammed.
According to Darma, Wali amassed a commanding 236,711 votes. In contrast, Hamidu Mohammed Alhaji received 1,722 votes; Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu garnered 9,748; and Bashir Shariff Machina secured 1,894. The remaining candidates trailed significantly: Engr. Yunusa Mustapha polled 1,178 votes, Maaji Modu obtained 1,371, and Inusa Mohammed got 1,148 votes.
In his declaration, Darma stated: ‘I am pleased to announce that Baba Malam Wali, having met the constitutional requirements and guidelines of the APC, and having secured the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the primary election. He is therefore returned as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Yobe State.’
Upon receiving his certificate of return, Wali expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Minister of Police Affairs Senator Ibrahim Geidam, the Yobe APC executive, and all party supporters for their trust. He urged unity, saying: ‘The primary contest is over. We must now unite and present a common front for the general election. Our goal is to ensure APC’s victory across all levels in Yobe State.’
Wali extended an olive branch to both those who stepped down and those who competed against him. He appealed: ‘Let us remain a cohesive family, working together for the party’s success in the 2027 elections. This will ensure peace, unity, and prosperity for our state, and continue good governance to improve the lives of our people.’