Former IGP Alkali Withdraws from Yobe Gubernatorial Race

Former Inspector‑General of Police Baba Usman Alkali has withdrawn from the Yobe State governorship race as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He announced his withdrawal, ending his bid for governor, in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday.

In the statement, he said he had decided to step back after a series of consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and elders from Borno State, among others.

“After due consultations and exhaustive meetings with the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the Executive Governors of Yobe and Borno state, elders and political associates, as well as some very critical stakeholders across the seventeen Local Government Areas, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration to the governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

He said the decision was voluntary, intended to promote party unity, stability, and the state's progress.

“Having made this decision, we have to but urge our teaming supporters to remain calm, law‑abiding and continue to support our great party, the APC, as well as the eventual gubernatorial candidate,” he added.

Alkali had been one of six APC aspirants who earlier opposed the selection of Baba Malam Wali as a consensus candidate and called for direct primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and APC rules.

The aspirants included Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina, former IGP Usman Baba Alkali, Kashim Musa Tumsah and Lawan Kolo Geidam.

Thus, the former IGP Usman Baba Alkali and former FCT Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development Lawan Kolo Geidam have withdrawn, reducing the number of candidates from six to four.

Both Alkali and Kolo have declined to endorse the APC's preferred candidate, Alh Baba Mallam Wali.