Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has lost out in his bid to secure the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, following the emergence of Baba Mallam Wali as the party’s consensus candidate.
The development was the outcome of a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. The meeting was convened by Governor Mai Mala Buni and his predecessor, Ibrahim Gaidam, both influential figures within the party’s structure in the state.
At the gathering, party leaders and stakeholders reportedly resolved to rally behind a single candidate endorsed by the leadership, in a move aimed at fostering unity and avoiding internal divisions ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Following the decision, Lawan formally announced his withdrawal from the governorship race, citing party unity and the need to uphold integrity and collective responsibility as guiding principles behind his decision.
“To exercise the spirit of integrity and responsibility, I hereby formally withdraw from the contest for the APC gubernatorial ticket,” he said.
The former Senate President also clarified his political stance regarding other positions, stating that he would not be contesting for the senatorial ticket. Instead, he pledged full support for the party’s leadership and its chosen candidates.
“Additionally, I am not contesting for the senatorial ticket; rather, I will fully support our leader to contest the senatorial seat,” he added, signaling his alignment with the broader decisions reached by party stakeholders.
Lawan further directed his supporters to shut down or repurpose all platforms and campaign structures that had been promoting his governorship ambition. He urged them to channel their efforts toward supporting APC candidates across the board.
Political observers say the move reflects a growing trend within the APC of adopting consensus arrangements to manage internal competition and maintain cohesion, particularly in states where party unity is considered critical to electoral success.
The emergence of Wali as the consensus candidate is seen as a strategic decision by party leaders in Yobe, aimed at presenting a united front and strengthening the APC’s chances in the forthcoming elections.
Analysts note that Lawan’s withdrawal, despite his political stature and experience, underscores the influence of party leadership and stakeholder consensus in determining candidate selection within the APC. His decision to step aside without a prolonged contest may also help prevent factional disputes that could weaken the party’s position.
The involvement of Governor Buni and former Governor Gaidam in convening the meeting highlights their continued relevance in shaping the political direction of the state. Both leaders are regarded as key power brokers whose endorsements carry significant weight among party members.
With Wali now positioned as the APC’s consensus candidate, attention is expected to shift toward preparations for the general election, as well as efforts to consolidate support across the state.
As of the time of this report, there has been no indication of dissent within the party over the outcome of the meeting, suggesting that stakeholders are largely aligned with the decision.
Lawan’s withdrawal and endorsement of the party’s direction may also play a role in strengthening internal unity, as his supporters are expected to follow his directive and support APC candidates in future elections.
The development marks a notable turning point in Yobe’s political landscape, reflecting the dynamics of consensus-building and strategic alignment within one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
