Yobe 2027: APC Chieftain Rejects ‘Anointed’ Candidates, Backs Bomai
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe has rejected alleged moves to impose a successor to Gov. Mai Mala Buni, backing Sen. Ibrahim Bomai.
Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed Ibbiyo, in a rejoinder titled “Yobe 2027 and the Search for a Credible Successor”, warned that any attempt to sidestep party guidelines in selecting a governorship candidate would be challenged in court.
He was reacting to a Daily Trust article published on April 5, which profiled perceived frontrunners for the 2027 governorship race in the state.
Ibbiyo described the publication as a “sponsored piece,” allegedly orchestrated by interests within the state government to promote preferred candidates lacking the capacity to lead.
According to him, governments often seek successors who would either sustain their style of governance or conceal perceived shortcomings.
He, however, stressed that the electorate in Yobe was more concerned about competence, credibility and development rather than political patronage.
The APC chieftain listed Sen. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Sen. Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, Mr Kashim Musa Tumsah, Alhaji Lawan Kolo and Hon. Jibrin Maigari as credible aspirants.
He argued that so-called “anointed candidates” fall short in terms of experience, exposure and leadership capacity when compared with other contenders.
Ibbiyo criticised the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, questioning his suitability for the governorship position.
He alleged that the SSG lacked the required exposure and was burdened by corruption allegations, urging stakeholders to assess public perception among civil servants.
While acknowledging the political rise of Alhaji Salisu Mukhtari, Chairman of Potiskum Local Government, Ibbiyo dismissed other favoured aspirants as lacking grassroots support.
He cautioned against blind loyalty in politics, noting that allegiance without adherence to justice and truth undermines democratic values.
Ibbiyo reiterated that the APC constitution and electoral guidelines clearly stipulate the process for candidate emergence, warning against any deviation.
He maintained that Sen. Bomai, representing Yobe South Senatorial District, possessed the competence, accessibility and grassroots appeal required to govern the state.
The APC chieftain added that the zone, which he said accounted for more than half of the state’s population, should produce the next governor on equity grounds.
He called on party leaders at state and national levels to uphold internal democracy and ensure that merit prevails over political interests.
“Yobe deserves a leader with proven capacity and integrity, not one imposed to serve narrow interests,” he said.
