APC Grassroots in Yobe Unanimously Endorse Baba Malam Wali as 2027 Gubernatorial Candidate
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
In a powerful demonstration of grassroots political alignment, all 17 local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have collectively endorsed former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Malam Wali, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election. This early and unified endorsement signals a strategic consolidation of internal support well ahead of the polls, reflecting the party’s commitment to building momentum from the ground up.
The Endorsement Event: A Gathering of Party Leaders
The endorsement was formalized during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at the Arts and Culture Conference Hall in Damaturu, the state capital. The event brought together party leaders from state, local government, and ward levels, creating a platform for open dialogue and collective decision-making. According to attendees, the decision was not a top-down directive from party elites but rather a reflection of the will of the party’s base—a crucial factor in ensuring long-term loyalty and electoral success.
Unanimous Support from Local Government Chairmen
Speaking on behalf of all 17 local government APC chairmen, the Chairman of Yunusari Local Government Area, Bamariu Muhammad Kaltum, conveyed their full and collective backing of Wali’s candidacy. He emphasized that the choice had been widely embraced by ward executives and ordinary party members across the state. “This is not a decision made in isolation,” Kaltum stated. “It is the voice of the people, from the villages to the towns, who see Baba Malam Wali as a leader capable of uniting and advancing Yobe State.”
This grassroots endorsement is particularly significant because it demonstrates that the APC’s internal democracy is functioning at the local level. In many political contexts, endorsements are often orchestrated by party elites, but here, the local chairmen—who are closest to the electorate—have taken the lead. This bottom-up approach can help mitigate internal dissent and ensure that the candidate has a solid foundation of support when the campaign officially begins.
Strategic Importance: Zone C’s Long-Awaited Opportunity
The meeting also saw zonal chairmen from Zones A, B, and C expressing support, but the most notable highlight was the unanimous voice of local government leaders, who described the decision as a “long-awaited opportunity” for Zone C—the home zone of the candidate. Zone C, which includes several local government areas, has historically felt underrepresented in the state’s highest political office. By endorsing a candidate from this zone, the APC is addressing a long-standing regional imbalance, which could galvanize voters in the area and strengthen the party’s overall electoral performance.
Political analysts note that zoning—the practice of rotating political offices among different regions—is a common strategy in Nigerian politics to ensure inclusivity and prevent marginalization. By choosing Wali, the APC is signaling that it values equity and is willing to listen to the aspirations of all zones within the state. This move could also help the party attract undecided voters who may have felt neglected in previous elections.
Zonal Chairmen Echo the Call for Unity
APC Zonal Chairman for Zone C, Alhaji Sabo Lamido, noted that the endorsement represents unity and mutual understanding from the lowest to the highest levels of the party structure. “This gathering reflects grassroots loyalty to the party leadership. We wholeheartedly accept the choice made by the party,” he said. Lamido’s remarks underscore the importance of internal cohesion, especially as the 2027 election approaches. A divided party is vulnerable to opposition attacks, but a united front can project strength and attract broader support.
Leadership Endorsement and Call for Continued Unity
In a closing remark delivered on behalf of the State Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gadaka, the Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Alamai Baba Kankare, praised local government and ward chairmen for their unwavering unity. He described the development as proof of strong cohesion within the APC in Yobe State and urged members to remain steadfast and united at all times. “Our strength lies in our unity,” Kankare said. “Let us carry this spirit into the campaign and beyond, so that we can deliver victory for our party and good governance for our people.”
This call for unity is particularly timely given the challenges that often arise during primary elections and candidate selection processes. By securing an early endorsement, the APC in Yobe is minimizing the risk of internal conflicts that could distract from the main goal: winning the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the 2027 Election
With the 2027 election just months away, the early and unanimous grassroots endorsement of Baba Malam Wali signals a strategic move by the party to consolidate internal support well ahead of the polls. This proactive approach allows the campaign to focus on broader voter outreach, policy development, and coalition-building, rather than wasting time on internal disputes.
For Baba Malam Wali, the endorsement is both a vote of confidence and a significant responsibility. As a former Secretary to the State Government, he brings administrative experience and a deep understanding of state governance. However, he will need to translate this grassroots support into a compelling vision for Yobe’s future—one that addresses key issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
In the coming months, political observers will be watching to see how the opposition parties respond to this early show of strength from the APC. If the party can maintain its unity and effectively communicate its message, it could be well-positioned to retain the governorship in 2027.
This article is based on reporting from Neptune Prime. For more information, read the original source.