Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, who represents Gombe Central Senatorial District, has rejected the consensus arrangement adopted by the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kano Times reports that stakeholders of the party had during a meeting on Sunday presided over by Governor Yahaya anointed DCP Mohammed Ahmadu Deba (Rtd) as the APC’s consensus candidate for Goje’s seat.
But in a statement issued by his aide, Barr. Saidu Muazu Kumo, Goje—who is seeking a record fifth term in the Senate—said the consensus process was not inclusive.
“The purported consensus meeting involved only Governor Yahaya and a limited number of aspirants, and did not include all duly recognized aspirants within the party,” the statement said.
Kumo said the Electoral Act provides for two lawful methods of nominating candidates for political parties ahead of elections, adding that these must be strictly followed.
“These methods must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral process,” he said.
He further noted that several aspirants had already purchased nomination forms but were excluded from the process.
“It is further noteworthy that across the various electoral constituencies, several aspirants have validly purchased their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, and were not participants in the said consensus arrangement held at the Government House,” he added.
Kumo stressed that, under the current electoral framework, the APC must conduct direct primary elections supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
“In accordance with the extant electoral framework, the nomination process shall be conducted through direct primary elections, which are to be duly monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies, and in a date to be slated by the party,” he said.
He also warned against imposition of candidates, saying it contravenes Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“Any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria,” he said.
