APC under pressure as Goje rejects senatorial consensus outcome

Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje has rejected the consensus arrangement adopted by the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress for the selection of its senatorial candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting reportedly presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, where retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmadu Deba, was reportedly anointed as the party’s consensus candidate for Gombe Central senatorial district.

In a statement issued through his aide, Barrister Saidu Muazu Kumo, Senator Goje—who is seeking a record fifth term in the Senate—faulted the process, describing it as selective and non-inclusive.

He argued that the purported consensus meeting did not involve all duly recognised aspirants who had purchased expression of interest and nomination forms, insisting that the process failed to comply with the principles of fairness and internal democracy.

According to him, the Electoral Act clearly provides for only two lawful methods of candidate selection—consensus and direct primaries—and both must strictly comply with due process and full participation of aspirants.

Goje maintained that where consensus cannot be reached unanimously among all contestants, political parties are obligated to conduct direct primary elections, which must be monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies.

He further stressed that any form of imposition of candidates runs contrary to the provisions of the law and undermines democratic practice within political parties.

The senator’s rejection adds to growing tensions within the Gombe APC, where disputes over candidate selection methods have continued to generate internal friction ahead of the 2027 polls.

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