JUST IN: Lawan withdraws from Yobe guber race, accepts APC consensus candidate

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has endorsed Baba Mallam Wali as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Yobe state.

Lawan said he has accepted the party’s decision in good faith and urged his supporters to remain united.

He said the APC in the state had earlier resolved to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and adopt consensus candidates for key elections.

“I must address the decision of our party regarding the nomination of the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, as the preferred governorship candidate of the APC,” he said.

Lawan acknowledged that some of his supporters had different expectations but urged them to prioritise unity.

“I am fully aware that many of you… have held different views… however, politics is never about the desire and aspiration of one man; it is about the survival and progress of the whole people,” he said.

He said the decision presents an opportunity for Yobe north to produce a governor for the first time., even as he pledged his full support for Wali and the APC in the 2027 elections.

His words: “In the spirit of Yobe North, we have accepted this development as Allah’s response to our prayers… for someone from the zone to get the opportunity to serve as the executive governor of the state.

“Therefore… I extend my hand of fellowship to Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, and pledge my full support to ensure that APC wins… all the elections in 2027.

“Return to your wards with a message of calm. Let us embrace our party’s decision… together… we shall march towards 2027 not as a divided house.”