In Yobe State, three resentful All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for governor have rejected Baba Malam Wali’s selection as the party’s consensus candidate and called for free, fair, and transparent primary elections.
The candidates are Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, Hon. Bashir Machina, and Engineer Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, a former Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Speaking to reporters in Damaturu on behalf of the group, which called itself G-3, Tumsah claimed that imposing any candidate would be against the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
He cautioned that if due process was not followed, the group would contest the exercise’s results.
He stated, “The three of us are here to ensure that the right thing is done, especially now that the issue of consensus has not been properly resolved.”
There was improper adherence to the consensus process. We have the right to request direct primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act and the party guidelines because we are adamant that the process has failed.
Tumsah claimed that rather than genuine consultation, the process that resulted in the adoption of a consensus candidate amounted to imposition.
“We want a procedure that gives party members the freedom to cast their ballots and select the APC candidate who best represents them.
“We oppose any procedure in which elections are not held and results are merely recorded. He stated that strict adherence to the law governing direct primaries is necessary.
In order to prevent actions that might jeopardise the party’s participation in the general election, he further urged the APC leadership to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
“We are promising to support and collaborate with the winner of a transparent, free, and fair primary election to win the general election. We won’t accept anything less than that,” he continued.
Speaking as well, Bashir Machina urged party members to oppose what he called the imposition of candidates.
He contends that candidates chosen by a select group of people rather than through a democratic process might not be in the best interests of the state and its citizens.
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