Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has withdrawn from the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Yobe State ahead of the 2027 election.
themomentng reports that Baba announced his withdrawal in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday.
This development ends his participation in the contest after days of disagreement within the party over the choice of a consensus candidate.
Before his withdrawal, the former police chief was part of a group of six APC aspirants who opposed the emergence of Baba Malam Wali as the party’s consensus candidate.
The aspirants had insisted that the party should conduct direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines of the APC.
The aggrieved aspirants included Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina, Usman Baba, Kashim Musa Tumsah and Lawan Kolo Geidam.
Earlier, Lawan Kolo Geidam had also withdrawn from the contest and declared support for the consensus arrangement adopted by the party leadership. His decision reduced the number of dissatisfied aspirants from six to five.
With Baba now leaving the race as well, only four aspirants remain in opposition to the consensus plan.
In his statement, Baba explained that his decision followed wide consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, party elders and political stakeholders across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
He said the move was made to protect unity within the APC and maintain peace and stability in the state. According to him, the decision was difficult but necessary for the progress of both the party and Yobe State.
Baba also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and continue backing the APC and whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
The remaining aspirants still opposing the consensus arrangement are Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina and Kashim Musa Tumsah.
