Yobe APC crisis: G-6 meets Shettima, vows participation in primaries
By Amos Paul
A group of governorship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has pledged to participate in the party’s forthcoming governorship primaries following intervention by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The group, popularly known as the G-6, disclosed this after what it described as an extensive and fruitful meeting with the vice-president on Tuesday over the lingering governorship impasse in the state.
Members of the group include former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, Alhaji Lawan Geidam, Kashim Tumsah and Bashir Machina.
The meeting came amid growing tension within the Yobe APC following the endorsement of Baba Mallam Wali as the preferred governorship candidate by some party stakeholders.
The aspirants had earlier rejected the consensus arrangement, insisting that it contravened the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the G-6 commended Shettima for his role in seeking political reconciliation and stability in the state.
The group praised the vice-president’s commitment to democratic principles, fairness and unity, describing his intervention as timely and patriotic.
“We particularly appreciate his unwavering dedication to democratic values, justice, fairness, and the unity and stability of Yobe State,” the statement read.
The aspirants also declared readiness to participate in the APC governorship primaries slated for May 23 in line with the party’s guidelines for direct primaries.
According to the group, all remaining members unanimously agreed to pursue their ambitions through a transparent and democratic process.
The G-6 further appealed to supporters and party loyalists across the state to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding throughout the exercise.
The statement also announced the withdrawal of one of the aspirants, Alhaji Lawan Geidam, from the governorship race.
It said Geidam voluntarily stepped down in the interest of peace, unity and democratic progress, while pledging support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
The group assured residents that it would continue to keep the public informed on further developments concerning the APC governorship primaries in the state.
