2027: APC Group Procures Guber Forms for Tumsah, Faults Consensus Push in Yobe
Says Imposition of Candidate Threatens Party’s Chances Ahead of Polls
By Our Political Correspondent In Damaturu
A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Yobe First Movement, has purchased the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, signaling his formal entry into the 2027 governorship race in Yobe State.
The move comes amid growing concerns over alleged attempts by influential figures within the party to impose a consensus candidate ahead of the primaries.
Presenting the forms in Abuja, the group’s leader, Comrade Ibrahim Lawan, said their decision followed sustained appeals urging Tumsah to join the contest.
“We are very happy that he has finally agreed to join the race. We believe his entrance will bring good fortunes to Yobe State,” Lawan stated.
Also speaking, Hajiya Fati Godowoli, leader of the Haske Forum Yobe, described the development as a collective effort by stakeholders determined to ensure credible participation in the race.
“We have secured the forms and presented them to him. We pray for divine guidance and success as we look forward to 2027,” she said.
In his response, Tumsah, a retired diplomat and legal practitioner, accepted the offer and expressed readiness to contest, emphasizing his experience and vision for the state.
He, however, raised strong objections to the ongoing consensus arrangement, arguing that such a process must involve all duly recognized aspirants.
“Consensus must be an agreement among aspirants, not a decision taken by a few individuals who are not even in the race,” he said.
Tumsah maintained that purchasing nomination forms is a prerequisite for attaining aspirant status and participating in any consensus discussion, stressing that exclusion undermines democratic principles within the party.
Drawing a parallel with the political trajectory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he noted that open competition often produces stronger candidates capable of winning general elections.
He warned that imposing an unpopular candidate could weaken the APC’s chances in Yobe, referencing the party’s performance during the 2023 presidential election in the state.
“Political titles do not make anyone the best candidate. What matters is one’s track record and contributions to the people,” Tumsah added.
The development is expected to intensify political activities within the APC in Yobe State as the party prepares for what may become a keenly contested primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
