Alhaji Baba Malam Wali has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State after securing the highest number of votes in the party’s direct primary election.

The result was announced by the chairman of the APC electoral committee, Muttaka Rabe Darma, who said the exercise was contested by seven aspirants across the state.

The contenders included Baba Malam Wali, Hamidu Muhammad Alhaji, Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu, Bashir Shariff Machina, Engr. Yunusa Mustapha, Maaji Modu and Inusa Mohammed.

Announcing the results, Darma said Baba Malam Wali polled 236,711 votes to emerge winner of the contest.

According to the committee, Hamidu Muhammad Alhaji secured 1,722 votes, while Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu received 9,748 votes. Bashir Shariff Machina polled 1,894 votes, Engr. Yunusa Mustapha got 1,178 votes, Maaji Modu secured 1,371 votes, and Inusa Mohammed recorded 1,148 votes.

“I wish to therefore declare that Baba Malam Wali, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the primary election and returned elected as the party’s governorship candidate for Yobe State,” Darma said.

Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Wali thanked Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Geidam, APC executives and party supporters for their support and confidence in his candidacy.

“The contest for the primary election is now over. We should unite and work together to confront the general election with a united front,” he said.

Wali also extended an olive branch to fellow aspirants, including those who stepped down for him during the process, calling for unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We should remain a united family and work together to ensure the victory of the party in the 2027 election for peace, unity and prosperity of our dear state, and in the interest of continuity of good governance to improve the lives of our people,” he added.

Former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, has formally declared his intention to contest the governorship of Taraba State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he will not step down for any aspirant ahead of the party’s primary election.

Speaking with journalists in Jalingo, Sambo said his ambition was driven by a desire to reposition Taraba State for sustainable growth and development rather than personal interest.

He lamented the state of infrastructure and social services in the state, noting that despite being created 35 years ago, Taraba still lacks adequate roads, modern healthcare facilities, and other basic amenities.

According to him, Taraba has the potential to achieve rapid development similar to Gombe State, which he described as a model of progress despite being created years after Taraba State.

Sambo said his track record at the federal level and his contributions to Taraba State during his time in public office speak for his capacity to govern effectively.

“I personally facilitated the construction of three major roads in Jalingo and one in Takum. I also supported the education sector through the provision of schools, computers, and other learning facilities,” he said.

He promised to transform Taraba into “a safe haven and a state that citizens would be proud of” if elected governor.

On the forthcoming APC governorship primary, Sambo said he was prepared to accept the outcome of the exercise if it is conducted transparently and fairly. However, he warned that he would challenge the results if the process is manipulated.

He called for openness in the distribution of election materials and urged party officials to involve all aspirants in the process to ensure credibility and prevent diversion of materials.

Addressing supporters during a rally held after his arrival from Danbaba Suntai Airport to the Jalingo city centre, Sambo described his governorship ambition as “a decision about the soul and destiny of Taraba State.”

“From the plains of Wukari to the hills of the Mambilla, the people are demanding progress, inclusion, and accountable leadership,” he said.

He pledged to pursue policies that would empower farmers, create opportunities for youths, support women, and improve security across communities, stressing that governance under his administration would be based on competence, compassion, and results rather than ethnic or religious considerations.

Sambo also urged journalists to uphold professionalism and play their role in safeguarding democracy by reporting facts accurately and monitoring activities across wards in the state during the electoral process.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State.

Professor Pantami said his decision was based on alleged infringements of the Electoral Act 2026 during the party’s primary process.

In a statement, the former minister said he could not continue participating in a process he believed did not comply with the provisions of the law guiding party primaries and internal democratic procedures.

He described the decision as a protest against what he termed irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

Further details surrounding the alleged violations and the party’s response were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.

Jafaru Yakubu Chiroma, the member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State, has showcased his performance in office and expressed confidence in securing re-election for a second term.

Speaking to journalists in Jalingo, Mr Chiroma said the numerous completed and ongoing projects delivered across the two local government areas that make up the constituency demonstrate his commitment and should earn him another term.

He described the core functions of a lawmaker as lawmaking, appropriation, project facilitation, and oversight.

The legislator highlighted visible impacts in primary healthcare in rural areas, road construction, infrastructure development, water supply, and electricity provision.

Mr Chiroma noted that a major 33kVA electricity project from Mutum Biyu to Yerima and Gassol is underway. Poles have been installed and essential facilities provided. When completed, he said, the project will bring electricity to over 20 communities that have never had access.

He added that the initiative, supported by the Federal Government, will also supply power to Yerima, Mararraban Gassol, Mbebal, Gunduma, and Tella.

“In the 2026 appropriation, the project has been extended to cover Tella up to Dan’anacha and parts of the constituency bordering Ibi and Wukari Local Government Areas,” he said. “These are legacies that will continue to speak for my representation.”

Road project

The lawmaker also drew attention to another key project captured in the 2026 budget: the road linking Tella, Anema, and Maihula.

“When completed, this road will significantly shorten the distance between Bali and Gassol, eliminating the long detour through Garba Chede,” he explained. “It will boost socio-economic activities and reduce the hardship residents face travelling long distances.”

He further disclosed that a 3-megawatt mini-grid solar project, currently 70 percent completed, is being extended to cover Suntai, Bali, Tella, Anema, Sunkani, and Garba Chede.

Mr Chiroma said all his efforts in the constituency are geared towards complementing the development agenda of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.

“As legislators, we must work as a team, liaise with the governor, and align our initiatives to achieve the desired results for our people,” he added.

Senator Mohammed Ibrahim Bomoi, who represents Yobe South and is an aspirant for the Yobe State governorship, has reaffirmed the unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following a meeting with Governor Mai Mala Buni in Damaturu.

Speaking after the meeting at the Government House on Saturday, Senator Bomoi said discussions with the governor had resulted in an understanding that would preserve consensus and strengthen cohesion within the party.

“The APC remains one united and indivisible family. We will continue to work together for the success and progress of the party,” the senator said.

Governor Buni commended Senator Bomoi for what he described as his understanding, commitment and concern for both the state and the APC.

The governor also urged other aspirants within the party to emulate the senator’s approach in order to further strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement was issued by Mamman Mohammed, Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor.