Yobe APC gubernatorial candidate withdraws as other aspirants choose a direct primary

‎‎One of the six All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Yobe State, Alhaji Lawan Geidam, has withdrawn from the contest. The remaining five aspirants have agreed to contest the party’s direct primaries after meeting with Vice‑President Kashim Shettima.

‎‎The aspirants are Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina, former Inspector‑General of Police Usman Baba (retd.), Kashim Tumsah and Geidam.

‎‎The meeting, held on Tuesday in Abuja, was convened to ease tensions surrounding the APC governorship succession process ahead of the 2027 elections.

‎‎In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the group—known as the G‑6—described its discussions with the Vice‑President as “extensive and fruitful.”

‎The aspirants praised Shettima for his intervention and his commitment to maintaining unity and stability within the party and Yobe State.

‎‎“The G‑6 commends His Excellency, the Vice‑President, for his tireless efforts, statesmanship, and sincere commitment towards resolving the gubernatorial impasse in Yobe State,” the communiqué read.

‎‎It added, “We particularly appreciate his dedication to democratic values, justice, fairness, and the unity and stability of Yobe State.”

‎‎The group said its members had unanimously resolved to take part fully in the upcoming governorship primaries, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and APC rules governing direct primaries.

‎‎“The remaining members of the G‑6 have unanimously resolved to fully participate in the forthcoming Yobe State Governorship Primaries in strict accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, as well as the APC Rules and Guidelines governing Direct Primaries,” the statement continued.

‎‎The aspirants also called on party supporters, stakeholders and residents of the state to remain peaceful ahead of the primaries scheduled for 23 May 2026.

‎“The G‑6 calls on all supporters, stakeholders, party faithful, and the good people of Yobe State to remain calm, peaceful, law‑abiding, and united while continuing preparations for the gubernatorial primaries,” the communiqué noted.

‎‎The group further stated that Geidam withdrew “in the overall interest of peace, unity, and democratic progress.”

‎According to the communiqué, he also pledged support for whichever candidate emerges from “a transparent, credible, and fair primary election process.”

‎‎The aspirants assured Yobe residents that consultations would continue as developments unfold regarding the APC governorship primaries.‎