By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Gombe State has explained the process followed that resulted in the selection of all consensus candidates of the party ahead of the 2027 general election in a move to douse rising tension.
Moses Kyari, the Party’s Publicity Secretary, in a statement said, the party had taken note of certain expressions of dissatisfaction from a few aspirants regarding the recently announced consensus candidates for the Governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections.
Moses said, there was need to set the record straight and provide the necessary context to correct any misinformation stressing that the APC constitution explicitly provides for consensus as a legitimate and preferred option for emergence of candidates.
According to him, it is designed to foster party unity, reduce acrimony, and save resources. “In line with this, the party leadership painstakingly conducted broad-based consultations involving the Party Elders Committee, the State Working Committee (SWC), the State Executive Committee (SEC), and all aspirants”.
According to him, “We affirm that every aspirant was duly informed and formally invited to participate in the consensus-building process. However, it is a matter of record that some of the individuals now complaining opted, for their own reasons, to decline participation.
“The party finds it surprising, and indeed disingenuous, that those who voluntarily absented themselves from the process would now turn around to question an outcome they refused to help shape.
“The party would like to make this very clear: the consensus decision is merely the party’s first option. It is our earnest attempt to bring all stakeholders together, preserve internal harmony, and prevent the rancour that often accompanies highly competitive political contests. The party has not shut the door on anyone”, he explained.
He explained further that neither the Electoral Act nor the APC Constitution imposes consensus as a fait accompli. According to him, “where any aspirant disagrees with the consensus arrangement, the party has no alternative but to proceed with the direct primary option.
“Therefore, any aspirant who disagrees with the consensus arrangement should present him/herself for direct primary elections, in line with constitutional provisions and the guidelines of our great party.
“Consequently, we implore all stakeholders, especially aspirants and their supporters, to close ranks, refrain from inflammatory statements, and avoid any utterances capable of disrupting party unity, cohesion, and the collective goal of victory in the general elections”, Moses Kyari maintained.
He expressed the party’s profound gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his exemplary leadership, patience, and commitment to an inclusive process.
“We also wish to express appreciation to the members of the State Working Committee and all aspirants who participated in the process. The APC Gombe State assures all aspirants and members of the party of its steadfast commitment to providing a level-playing field for all, in the overall interest of the party”, the Publicity Secretary pointed out.
End.
