Ex-IGP Alkali Pulls Out of Yobe Governorship Race in a Shocking and Negative Political Development Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Inspector-General of Police, Baba Usman Alkali, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Yobe State.

Alkali confirmed his withdrawal in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday, bringing his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections to an end.

He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Borno State elders, and other key stakeholders.

According to him, the move was voluntary and taken in the interest of party unity, stability, and the overall progress of the state.

“After due consultations and exhaustive meetings with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the Executive Governors of Yobe and Borno states, elders and political associates, as well as critical stakeholders across the seventeen local government areas, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

He urged his supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue to support the APC and its eventual governorship candidate.

Alkali was among six APC aspirants who earlier opposed the emergence of Baba Malam Wali as consensus candidate and had called for direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and party guidelines.

Other aspirants in the race included Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Mustapha Maihaja, Bashir Machina, Kashim Musa Tumsah, and Lawan Kolo Geidam.

With Alkali’s withdrawal, along with that of Lawan Kolo, the number of aspirants has now reduced from six to four.

Meanwhile, both Alkali and Kolo have declined to endorse the party’s preferred candidate, Baba Malam Wali.