Gombe APC Aspirant Rejects ‘Consensus Candidate’ Move, Cites Electoral Law Violations

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Sen Said Ahmed Alkali, has publicly rejected a purported list of consensus candidates announced by a group of party stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement, Alkali described the development as “undemocratic, arbitrary, and incompatible” with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026. His reaction follows a press release claiming that consensus candidates had been selected for gubernatorial, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions in the state.

Alkali argued that the process violated key provisions of the Electoral Act. He referenced Section 84(1), which mandates that political parties must conduct primaries for all elective positions, subject to monitoring by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While acknowledging that the law permits consensus candidacy, he emphasized that Section 87(1) requires political parties to obtain written consent from all cleared aspirants before adopting such an arrangement. According to him, this condition was not met.

“The circumstances under which these consensus candidates emerged clearly contravene both the letter and spirit of the law,” the statement noted, warning that such actions undermine internal party democracy.

Alkali maintained that his purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms affirms his legitimate status as an aspirant and stakeholder in the party. He insisted that any decision affecting candidacy must involve all qualified contenders.

He further stated that unless the party complies with legal requirements—including securing consent from all aspirants—the consensus arrangement would remain invalid. He suggested that the party may ultimately be compelled to revert to direct primaries, as provided under the law.

The aspirant formally distanced himself from the alleged consensus outcome, describing it as lacking both constitutional and statutory legitimacy. He also signaled his intention to pursue all available legal and party mechanisms to challenge the process.

Despite his objections, Alkali reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed commitment to the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

He concluded by thanking his supporters across Gombe State for their continued backing and urged them to remain patient and steadfast as efforts to address the issue unfold.

The controversy adds to growing concerns over internal party processes as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.