Former youth leader rejects Gombe consensus gubernatorial candidate

A former National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governorship aspirant in Gombe State, Hon. Sadiq Shuaibu Abubakar, has rejected the adoption of a consensus candidate for the party ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election. In a statement issued in Abuja, Abubakar described the move by what he called a “handful of […]

A former National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governorship aspirant in Gombe State, Hon. Sadiq Shuaibu Abubakar, has rejected the adoption of a consensus candidate for the party ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Abubakar described the move by what he called a “handful of selected stakeholders” as a blatant imposition that runs contrary to the democratic principles upon which the APC was founded.

He said such actions undermine internal party democracy and disenfranchise the majority of party members across the state.

The former youth leader stated that he would not recognise or accept any arrangement aimed at imposing a candidate without due process, insisting that only a free, fair, transparent, and credible primary election—particularly through direct primaries—remains the legitimate pathway for producing the party’s flag bearer.

“We cannot afford to mortgage the future of our party and the will of our people to the decisions of a few individuals. The APC in Gombe belongs to all its members, not a select group,” he said.

Abubakar further warned that any attempt to sideline aspirants or manipulate the process would be strongly resisted, stressing that justice, fairness, and equity must prevail.

He called on the national leadership of the party to intervene and ensure strict adherence to democratic procedures in order to preserve the unity, credibility, and electoral strength of the APC in Gombe State.