Senatorial Race: I’ll defeat Goje at APC Primaries, says consensus candidate 

A Consensus Candidate on the platform of the All Progress Congress (APC) for the Gombe Central Senatorial District, DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd), said he is confident of defeating the incumbent Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje in the direct primary election slated for Saturday. The state chapter of the APC had, during a stakeholders consensus meeting, picked DCP […]

A Consensus Candidate on the platform of the All Progress Congress (APC) for the Gombe Central Senatorial District, DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd), said he is confident of defeating the incumbent Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje in the direct primary election slated for Saturday.

The state chapter of the APC had, during a stakeholders consensus meeting, picked DCP Ahmed against Senator Goje, who is currently occupying the seat and aspiring to represent the zone for a record fifth term.

Speaking during a stakeholders engagement across the senatorial district, Ahmed said the consultations had shown that the people of the zone are yearning for a change in leadership style anchored on collective participation and equal opportunity.

He expressed optimism about his chances at the APC primaries scheduled to take place on Saturday, describing the current period as divinely ordained, adding that if elected as senator, he would prioritise justice, fairness and inclusiveness in the district.

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“I would priotice justice, fair play and inclusiveness where everybody is a stakeholder. Everybody is going to be part of this. There is no monopoly. I am sure this is the time God has destined. Whatever God has at hand, nobody can stop you,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Also speaking, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Bello Kumo, described the “power shift” campaign to Yamaltu/Deba local government, as a democratic and moral demand aimed at giving other parts of Gombe Central the opportunity to produce leadership after decades of dominance by Akko LGA.

Kumo, who is representing Akko federal Constituency, added that political aspirations should be marketed directly to the people rather than imposed through influence from political elites.

The lawmaker maintained that inclusiveness and fairness were at the heart of the agitation for power rotation within the Gombe central senatorial district.

He further argued that after Akko LGA held the senatorial seat for nearly two decades, stating that it was only fair for leadership to shift to other areas within the district.

“What is most important is inclusivity. What is important is appreciating the existence of other people. What is equally important is giving other people the opportunity to display their talents. Nobody has a monopoly of knowledge.

“While you have two local governments forming a senatorial district, it is only moral and fair that after holding that office for consecutive 16 years, you say to your brothers, ‘Come and try, come and display your talents.’ There is nothing wrong with that,” he said.

The APC chieftain also dismissed fears of violence during the party primaries, insisting that popularity at the grassroots remained the ultimate determinant of electoral victory.

Kumo also expressed confidence in the APC consensus arrangement championed by Governor Yahaya, saying no aspirant had been denied the opportunity to contest.

“We did not deny anybody the opportunity to exercise his franchise. We are not even pleading for anybody to step down. If you think you can come forward, come forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, Goje had earlier declared that his constituents are solidly behind him despite what he described as “external influence.”

Speaking after his screening last week Saturday in Abuja by a committee from the National headquarters of the APC, he described himself as a founding member of the party who is committed to advancing its ideals in Gombe and across the county.

“Together with other aspirants, I have been screened to contest for the primaries of our great party, APC, for Gombe Central Senatorial District ahead of next year’s elections,” he said.

“Under the APC, the party we founded, I will once again humbly present myself to the good people of Gombe Central Senatorial District for the revalidation of the mandate they have overwhelmingly entrusted in me to sustain the developmental strides taking place in our senatorial district.

“The solid support of my constituents across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas, despite external influence, is my driving force,” Goje said.