Ex police boss joins Yobe governorship race as consensus talks collapse

By Ahmed Isah

Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, has joined the Yobe governorship race following the collapse of consensus talks among aspirants.

Alkali disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Damaturu.

He said four other aspirants had already obtained their nomination forms, signalling the breakdown of earlier agreements aimed at producing a consensus candidate.

“I therefore obtained the form to join the movement. No one has ever shown me where to sign or even asked me to speak,” he said.

Alkali added that the development confirmed that the consensus arrangement among the aspirants had failed.

He explained that his understanding of the party’s consensus model was based on voluntary agreement among aspirants to support a single candidate.

“That is the meaning of consensus. Now that this has not happened in Yobe, I have decided to go ahead with my ambition,” he said.

The former police chief said he arrived in Damaturu at the weekend to verify the validity of his nomination forms.

According to him, he also consulted party guidelines and relevant stakeholders before proceeding.

On whether he would step down if party leaders asked him to support another aspirant, Alkali said it would depend on the conditions presented.

“I would, if I agree to the terms,” he said.

He urged his supporters to remain steadfast and committed throughout the primary election process.

Alkali said they should stand by him irrespective of whether the primary election holds as scheduled or otherwise.