Gombe APC Defends Consensus, Opens Door for Direct Primaries
The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended its adoption of a consensus arrangement for selecting candidates for elective positions in the state. The party had on Sunday unveiled consensus candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections. However, reactions have trailed the exercise, with some aspirants, including Senator […]
The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended its adoption of a consensus arrangement for selecting candidates for elective positions in the state.
The party had on Sunday unveiled consensus candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections.
However, reactions have trailed the exercise, with some aspirants, including Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, Prof Isa Ali Pantami and Saidu Ahmed Alkali, rejecting the outcome.
Senator Goje, who was eyeing a return ticket for Gombe Central Senatorial District, Yaro for Gombe South Senatorial District, Pantami and Alkali, who were both pursuing governorship ambition, did not make the consensus list.
In a statement issued on Monday, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr Moses Kyari, said the decision was aimed at fostering unity, sustaining internal stability and avoiding disputes often associated with keenly contested primaries.
He noted that the party remains open to all aspirants and has acknowledged the concerns expressed by some of them.
“The party wishes to set the record straight and provide the necessary context to correct any misinformation.
“First and foremost, the APC constitution explicitly provides for consensus as a legitimate and preferred option for the emergence of candidates. It is designed to foster party unity, reduce acrimony, and save resources.
“In line with this, the party leadership painstakingly conducted broad-based consultations involving the party elders committee, the state working committe, the state executive committee, and all aspirants,” part of the statement read.
Kyari said all aspirants were properly informed and invited to participate in the process, stressing that some of those now expressing dissatisfaction chose to stay away.
He added, “The party finds it surprising that those who voluntarily absented themselves from the process would now turn around to question an outcome they refused to help shape.”
He assured that aspirants who are dissatisfied with the consensus arrangement would be given the opportunity to contest through direct primaries, with equal chances for all.
“Therefore, any aspirant who disagrees with the consensus arrangement should present him/herself for direct primary elections, in line with constitutional provisions and the guidelines of our great party,” he assured.
He further called on aspirants and their supporters to avoid statements or actions capable of disrupting party unity and its electoral prospects.