By Jane Salihu
Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, and Salihu Jere have separately submitted their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms under the All Progressives Congress, declaring their intentions to contest the 2027 governorship elections in Yobe State and Adamawa State respectively, while calling for transparent and competitive party primaries.
Baba, who is seeking to govern Yobe State, used the occasion to firmly reject reports of a consensus arrangement within the APC, insisting he remains fully in the race. “My name is Usman Alkali, a retired Inspector General. I am an indigene of Yobe State, and I want to contest for the office of Governor of Yobe State,” he said, adding that he has neither attended any consensus meeting nor agreed to step down for any aspirant. He emphasized his intention to build on the achievements of the current administration, dismissing claims of an endorsed candidate as unfounded.
In Adamawa State, Jere expressed confidence that the APC’s 2027 primary will be free, fair and credible, describing it as “an open race.” He said the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu gives him assurance of a transparent process. “I have every reason to believe that there will be a free and fair contest,” he said, noting that the nomination process was clear, open and seamless.
Jere disclosed that 120 party members drawn from the 21 local government areas of Adamawa endorsed his nomination, stressing that the eventual candidate would emerge through the votes of party members.
He outlined his vision for the state, focusing on unity, economic inclusion and poverty reduction, with priority on education, youth empowerment, healthcare and agriculture.
While Baba’s message centered on rejecting imposition and affirming his independence in the race.
