2027: APC will hold direct primaries if consensus fails, says Buni

The Punch reports on the All Progressives Congress's (APC) commitment to democratic principles in selecting its candidates for the 2027 general elections. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has affirmed that the party will conduct free, fair, and transparent direct primary elections should consensus fail to yield a candidate. This stance directly addresses the concerns of six governorship aspirants who have voiced their opposition to the endorsement of Alhaji Baba Wali.

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The emergence of Baba Mallam Wali as the preferred candidate of the party followed the resolutions of the critical stakeholders’ meeting of 23rd April 2026.

The governor's statement reassures party faithful and the public that the APC values internal democracy. His reference to the 2019 primaries, where he himself emerged through an election after a consensus attempt, serves as a precedent. This highlights a willingness within the party to allow for electoral contestation, even when consensus is preferred.

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He was endorsed and adopted as the preferred candidate, but if there is no general agreement, we shall adopt the election mode.

From a Nigerian political perspective, the emphasis on direct primaries is crucial for fostering broader participation and legitimacy. The Punch, in its reporting, highlights the tension between stakeholder endorsements and the aspirants' demand for a direct vote. Governor Buni's efforts to mediate and ensure unity underscore the importance of internal cohesion for the APC's success in the upcoming elections. The article frames this not just as a Yobe State issue but as a reflection of the APC's broader commitment to upholding democratic ideals as Nigeria's ruling party, aiming for "politics without bitterness."

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In 2019, I was nominated as a consensus candidate, a few other aspirants contested the decision, and we went for election where I emerged as the party’s candidate with a very wide margin. We are ready to repeat that history if we cannot reach consensus.