📍 Abuja Update!
Adedayo Akinwale Reports from Abuja
In a significant step towards shaping its future leadership, the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted screenings for several of its governorship aspirants yesterday. This notable gathering included prominent figures such as Lagos State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a key governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Yusuf Tuggar; and the ex-Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, who is also vying for the governorship in Gombe State.
Following the screening process, Professor Pantami articulated the vital importance of conducting primary elections that are not only free and fair but also transparent, emphasizing that such practices are crucial for the party’s viability as the nation gears up for the pivotal 2027 elections. He firmly stated that he had no knowledge of any consensus arrangement within the Gombe State chapter of the party, which he believes could undermine internal democracy.
Pantami elaborated: “As we gather here today, it is clear that the party at the national level has created a platform offering every Nigerian a fair opportunity to contest. The principles of internal democracy and justice are cornerstones for the survival of democracy in our great nation.” He acknowledged that the party’s decision to allow all aspiring candidates to be screened objectively, regardless of their state of origin, is commendable.
He pointed out the encouraging shift towards direct primaries, arguing that while this is a positive development at both federal and state levels, it is imperative that these direct primaries maintain a high standard of transparency, fairness, and independence. “We must ensure that individuals with vested interests are not in positions of control during this critical process,” Pantami added, advocating for an electoral environment that truly reflects the will of the people.
Yusuf Tuggar, another key aspirant, voiced his expectations regarding the primary process in Bauchi State. With more than five candidates now in the running for the party’s ticket, he candidly addressed the likelihood of reaching a consensus among the aspirants. “Honestly speaking, it seems improbable that we will reach a mutual agreement in Bauchi State,” Tuggar remarked, casting doubt on a unified front among the candidates. He noted a sudden uptick in activity and new forms being submitted just a day before the screening, prompting questions about the motivations behind such last-minute entries. “It really makes you ponder; however, I respect everyone’s right to contest for their aspirations,” he concluded.
Shifting focus, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat radiated confidence about his ambitions to succeed as the next Governor of Lagos State. “I feel very much at home in this endeavor, and I am thoroughly optimistic. Ultimately, it will be the choice of our citizens and party members that determines the outcome, but I have no doubts that I will be the next person to lead Lagos State into a new chapter,” he expressed earnestly.
Meanwhile, another aspirant hailing from Kwara State, AbdulFatai Yahaya, highlighted that the mode of the primaries in his state would be determined by the current state governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman. This insight introduces a layer of political strategy that may influence the aspirants’ paths moving forward.
As the APC continues to navigate the complexities of the electoral landscape, the outcomes of these screenings and the subsequent primaries will undoubtedly play a defining role in shaping the future direction of governance in Nigeria. The anticipation builds as these candidates prepare for the challenges ahead, all while underscoring the importance of integrity and fairness in the political processes that will influence the nation’s leadership.
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