Former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Gombe State, citing alleged electoral irregularities and a breach of party guidelines. His decision follows a similar withdrawal by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami, escalating tensions within the party's primary process in the state.
Withdrawal Due to Loss of Confidence
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 20, by his media aide Umar Jibrin, Alkali announced he would no longer participate in the exercise scheduled for Thursday. He cited a lack of trust in the credibility of the arrangements, noting that recent developments during earlier APC primaries had already raised concerns about fairness and transparency.
Alkali emphasized that despite meeting all requirements—including purchasing nomination forms and passing screening—he could not continue in what he described as a compromised process.
Allegations of Flawed Primaries
The former minister alleged that recent primaries in parts of the state were marred by irregularities, including manipulation and failure to adhere to established electoral guidelines. “The results were allegedly manufactured without the conduct of any genuine election process,” the statement said. He also pointed to reports of missing electoral materials, logistical challenges, and unequal treatment of candidates.
Alkali further claimed that earlier party primaries in Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye, Billiri/Balanga federal constituencies, and Gombe Central Senatorial District failed to meet democratic standards. According to him, these exercises weakened confidence among party members and undermined public trust in the internal democratic process.
Loyalty to APC
Despite his withdrawal, Alkali reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and stated he will continue to support the party’s activities. However, he called on the national leadership to cancel the disputed primaries and organize fresh exercises. He urged the party to set up a new committee to ensure a credible, transparent, and fair process in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
Pantami also cited irregularities in his withdrawal from the APC gubernatorial primary, further highlighting the internal challenges within the Gombe State APC.
