By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State ended in a landslide victory for Baba Malam Wali, who was officially declared the party’s governorship candidate on Thursday in Damaturu.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, who is also the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, said Wali secured the highest number of votes in line with the APC constitution and electoral guidelines.
According to the results announced, a total of 254,013 votes were cast. Baba Malam Wali polled 236,711 votes, while his closest rival, Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu, scored 9,748 votes. Bashir Shariff Machina garnered 1,894 votes, while Hamidu Mohammed Alhaji secured 1,722 votes.
Other contestants included Modu Ma’aji, who polled 1,371 votes; Inusa Mustapha, who scored 1,176 votes; and Inusa Mohammed, who received 1,148 votes.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines, and having scored the highest number of votes, Baba Malam Wali is hereby declared the winner of the election,” Darma stated.
In his acceptance speech, Wali commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and called for unity among APC stakeholders in the state.
“To my fellow compatriots, party faithful, and all members of the APC family in Yobe State, I proudly greet you. Your commitment ensured a smooth, peaceful, and exemplary process,” he said.
Wali also praised the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a transparent exercise, noting that there were no reports of violence during the primary election across the state.
He further acknowledged the media for their professional coverage of the exercise.
Declaring the primary concluded, the APC governorship candidate stressed the need for unity and collective commitment ahead of the general election.
“The way forward is clear: we must unite and work together. I extend my hand of fellowship to my brothers who stepped down for me and to those who contested alongside me,” he added.
Wali pledged to intensify efforts toward promoting peace, unity, and prosperity in the state, with a view to ensuring continuity in governance and improving the welfare of the people.
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