Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (retd.), has withdrawn from the 2027 Yobe State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Baba announced his withdrawal in a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Wednesday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and associates across the state and beyond.

The former police chief said the move was taken in the interest of party unity, stability and progress ahead of the APC governorship primaries.

‎He stated, “After due consultations and exhaustive meetings with the Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima, the Executive Governors of Yobe and Borno states, elders and political associates, as well as some very critical stakeholders across the seventeen Local Government Areas, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

Baba described the decision as a difficult but necessary sacrifice for the unity of the ruling party in Yobe State.

‎“The decision was not arrived at easily; it is voluntary but an obvious sacrifice we must make in the interest of party unity, stability and progress of our dear state,” he said.

He urged his supporters to remain calm and continue supporting the APC and whoever emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.

‎“Having made this decision, we urge our teeming supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and continue to support our great party, the APC, as well as the eventual gubernatorial candidate,” Baba added.

‎The retired IGP also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yobe State despite stepping down from the race.

His withdrawal comes less than 24 hours after another APC governorship aspirant, Alhaji Lawan Kolo Geidam, also exited the contest.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Geidam withdrew following a meeting involving members of a group of six APC governorship aspirants, popularly known as the G-6, and Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja over the party’s succession arrangement in Yobe State.

The remaining aspirants include Senator Ibrahim Muhammed Bomai, Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, Bashir Sheriff Machina and Kashim Musa Tumsah. (Vanguard)

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