Former Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba has withdrawn from the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria.
Before his withdrawal, Baba was among six APC aspirants who opposed the emergence of Baba Wali as the party’s consensus candidate.
The aspirants had insisted that the party conduct direct primaries in line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 and APC guidelines.
Those opposed to the consensus arrangement included Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina, Baba, Kashim Musa Tumsah and Lawan Kolo Geidam.
Geidam had earlier withdrawn from the contest and declared support for the consensus arrangement adopted by the party leadership, reducing the number of dissatisfied aspirants from six to five.
With Baba’s withdrawal, only four aspirants remain opposed to the consensus plan.
In a statement, Baba said his decision followed consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, party elders and political stakeholders across Yobe State’s 17 local government areas.
He said the move was aimed at preserving unity within the APC and maintaining peace and stability in the state.
According to Baba, the decision was difficult but necessary for the progress of both the party and Yobe State.
He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and continue supporting the APC and whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.