Baba Malam Wali, a former Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Yobe governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Damaturu, the state capital.
Landslide Victory in Primary Election
The Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Engr. Muttaqah Rabe Darma, declared Wali the winner after he secured a total of 236,711 votes, defeating all other aspirants. The result was announced at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Damaturu. Darma stated, "I therefore declare Baba Malam Wali, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, as the winner of the primary election and the party's governorship candidate for Yobe State."
Consensus Candidate Emerges
Wali, aged 68, had earlier been endorsed as the APC consensus candidate following a stakeholders' meeting convened by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam. His emergence is viewed by political analysts as a significant boost to the agitation for a power shift to Yobe North Senatorial District. The candidate hails from Nguru Local Government Area in Yobe North, a zone that has never produced a governor or deputy governor since the creation of Yobe State in 1991.
Historic Recognition and Political Implications
In March 2026, Wali was recognized as the longest-serving Secretary to a State Government by the Progressive Governors Forum. His candidacy marks a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape, as it addresses long-standing calls for equitable representation. The APC primary also saw the disqualification of Kashim Musa Tumsah, who accepted the party's decision, citing nomination concerns from non-financial party members.
Other APC Governorship Primaries
In related developments, the APC declared Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 elections after collation of results across local governments. Similarly, in Rivers State, the APC announced its governorship candidate following gubernatorial primary elections held at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt on Thursday, May 21. The Rivers primary took place amidst political tension after Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the race, a move that has sparked widespread condemnation.
Conclusion
Wali's victory is expected to reshape the political dynamics in Yobe State, as he prepares to lead the APC into the 2027 general elections. The former SSG's experience and grassroots support are anticipated to strengthen the party's chances in the upcoming polls.
