By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Chairman of the Screening Committee for aspirants contesting seats in the Yobe State House of Assembly, Barrister Babakura Kaka, says the committee was mandated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to screen aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists during the screening exercise on Tuesday at the Presidential Lodge in Damaturu, Kaka explained that aspirants must meet constitutional, electoral, and party requirements before they can be cleared to contest.
According to him, the requirements are contained in the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, the APC Constitution, and the party’s guidelines. He noted that any aspirant who satisfies the provisions of the laws would qualify to contest as a candidate.
He listed some of the requirements as being a Nigerian citizen, having no criminal conviction, and possessing at least a school-leaving certificate.
Kaka further stated that aspirants must be sponsored by the party, purchase nomination and expression-of-interest forms, provide evidence of due payments to the party, and submit valid means of identification alongside other relevant credentials.
Speaking on aspirants facing court cases, Kaka said the nature of the case would determine whether such persons could be cleared.
“You cannot say that because somebody has a family dispute or a case with his wife, he cannot be cleared. Different court cases are treated differently,” he said.
On cases involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the committee chairman explained that an aspirant who had not been convicted could still be considered.
Meanwhile, one of the aspirants, Hon. Ya’u Usman Dachia, expressed satisfaction with the screening process, describing it as smooth and transparent.
Speaking on his chances of re-election, Dachia said he remained confident of victory, noting that it would be the fourth time he was contesting for the seat.
Another aspirant, Ibrahim Abdullahi (Gero) Jajimaji from Karasuwa Local Government Area, also expressed confidence in the process and in his chances of emerging victorious.
Jajimaji commended the party for giving all aspirants equal opportunity to participate in the screening exercise and the possible primary election if consensus was not reached.
“With this arrangement, nobody will have reason to complain or allege any form of bias in the process,” he added.
The screening committee comprises members drawn from different states across the country, including Barrister Babakura Kaka as chairman from Borno State, Ademola Okutu Giyade from Bauchi State, Abdullahi Bosman from the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Ahmad from Kogi State, and Rabiu Nasiru from Jigawa State.
