Six aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Yobe State have formally expressed no confidence in state party chairman Alh. Mohammed Gadaka, accusing him of bias in the upcoming primary election. In a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on 15 April, the candidates said they can no longer trust Gadaka to oversee a “free, fair, transparent and credible” direct primary and demanded his immediate withdrawal from all responsibilities related to organizing and supervising Yobe State’s APC primary.
“The continuous apparent partisanship displayed by the Yobe State APC Chairman makes it clear that he is highly compromised,” the statement read. “Consequently, we have no confidence that he can conduct or supervise a credible primary. We therefore demand his immediate removal from any role in the primary process.” The complainants did not name themselves, but they represent a significant faction within the state’s APC structure.
Their protest follows reports of internal disagreements over the timetable, venue selection and voter accreditation process for the direct primary, scheduled for later this month. While calling for Gadaka’s removal, the aspirants affirmed continued loyalty to the national APC leadership and reiterated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re‑election campaign. “Our confidence in the national party remains unchanged, and we stand behind President Tinubu’s bid for a second term,” they added.
The Yobe State APC chapter has not yet responded to the allegations. Party officials in Abuja indicated that the national secretariat is monitoring the situation and will intervene if the integrity of the primary is threatened. The APC’s constitution provides mechanisms for removing a state chairman, typically requiring a formal petition and a vote by the party’s governing council.
The dispute highlights broader challenges facing Nigeria’s ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. Internal cohesion has been a recurring issue for the APC, with several state chapters experiencing similar tensions over candidate selection and election management. Observers note that unresolved grievances at the state level could affect voter perception and the party’s performance in upcoming elections.
The Yobe APC primary is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Should the aspirants’ demand be met, an interim chair or neutral overseer may be appointed to ensure the process proceeds without further controversy. The outcome will be watched closely by party members and political analysts, as it may set a precedent for handling internal disputes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 electoral calendar.
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