Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has formally rejected the consensus candidate anointed by the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that a direct primary election remains the only lawful route to select the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 general election.
The former governor of Gombe State, who is seeking a record fifth term in the Senate, described the purported consensus arrangement as a charade that excluded most legitimate aspirants.
Daily Trust reports that stakeholders of the party, during a meeting presided over by Governor Yahaya on Sunday, had anointed retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmadu Deba as the APC’s consensus candidate for Goje’s seat.But in a statement issued by his aide, Barr. Saidu Muazu Kumo, Senator Goje said the meeting was neither inclusive nor binding.
“The purported consensus meeting involved only Governor Yahaya and a limited number of aspirants. It did not include all duly recognized aspirants within the party,” the statement read.
Goje, a seasoned political heavyweight, argued that the Electoral Act clearly stipulates two lawful methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties — direct or indirect primaries — but stressed that any form of imposition through a select meeting violates the law.
“These methods must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral process.
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,” Barr. Kumo added.
The Senator insisted that the nomination process must be conducted through direct primary elections, duly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies, on a date to be slated by the party.
“Any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria,” he stated.
Attempts to get a reaction from the Gombe State APC chairman were unsuccessful as of press time, but a party source loyal to the governor insisted that the consensus arrangement was reached in good faith to avoid rancor.
However, political analysts say Goje’s rejection sets the stage for a fierce battle within the Gombe APC, potentially weakening the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Discussion about this post