A fresh political storm is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State as Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, an aspirant in the 2027 gubernatorial race, has firmly rejected a purported list of consensus candidates announced by a group of party stakeholders.
In a strongly worded statement, the senator described the development as “undemocratic, arbitrary and incompatible” with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the process violates both the letter and spirit of internal party democracy.
Alkali’s reaction follows a press release circulated by select APC stakeholders in Gombe, which reportedly named consensus candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Citing relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, the aspirant emphasized that political parties are legally required to conduct primary elections, whether through direct voting or consensus, under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He stressed that where consensus is adopted, written consent from all cleared aspirants is mandatory.
“The circumstances and manner under which the consensus candidates were appointed is in gross violation of the Electoral Act and its noble objective of ensuring internal democracy,” he said.
The senator further argued that there had been no effort to obtain consent from all aspirants, rendering the process invalid and legally unsustainable.
He maintained that his purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms confirms his status as a legitimate aspirant and stakeholder in the party’s decision-making process, insisting that any attempt to sideline aspirants undermines due process.
Alkali warned that unless the party complies with the law, the exercise would remain “an exercise in futility,” adding that the party may ultimately be compelled to revert to direct primaries as provided under the law when consensus conditions are not met.
“The party was not only unable to secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants, but has not even attempted such an undertaking to justify this undemocratic development,” he added.
He consequently distanced himself from the alleged consensus arrangement, declaring that it lacks constitutional and statutory legitimacy.
The senator also signaled readiness to pursue legal and party mechanisms to challenge the development, stating that he would explore all avenues under the Electoral Act and the APC constitution to seek redress.
Despite his, Alkali reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the party’s success in the 2027 general elections, while calling on his supporters across Gombe State to remain calm and steadfast.
The development underscores growing tensions within party ranks as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 polls, raising broader questions about internal democracy and candidate selection processes within major political parties.