Former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has kicked against the consensus arrangement adopted by the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Goje’s aide, who stated this in a statement, faulted the consensus arrived at during a meeting attended only by Governor Yahaya and a few of the aspirants, “and did not include all duly recognized aspirants within the party.”
Goje, who is representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, said the Electoral Act has clearly stipulated two lawful methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor, who is seeking a record fifth term at the Senate, said “these methods must be strictly adhered to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral 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 said the extant electoral framework provides that the nomination process shall be carried out through direct primary elections, which are to be duly monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies, and on a date to be slated by the party.
He said any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria.
The party on Sunday at a meeting presided over by Governor Yahaya named DCP Mohammed Ahmadu Deba (Rtd) as the APC’s consensus candidate for Goje’s seat.
