May 4, 2026 — SUNTV Global News
Fresh cracks have emerged within the (APC) in as Senator has openly rejected the party’s consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Goje, who represents Gombe Central Senatorial District and is seeking a fifth term in the Senate, described the process that produced a consensus candidate as flawed, exclusionary, and contrary to the Electoral Act.
The controversy followed a stakeholders’ meeting reportedly led by Governor , where retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, , was endorsed as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial seat.
However, in a statement issued through his aide, Goje distanced himself from the decision, insisting that the meeting did not include all legitimate aspirants.
“The so-called consensus involved only a select group and excluded several duly recognised aspirants who had already purchased nomination forms,” the statement noted.
He stressed that the Electoral Act clearly outlines only two legitimate methods for candidate nomination—consensus and direct primaries—warning that the consensus option is only valid when all aspirants willingly agree.
According to Goje, any attempt to impose a candidate without full agreement among aspirants violates electoral laws and undermines internal party democracy.
“In line with the law, the party must conduct direct primary elections monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies,” he insisted.
The development adds to rising tension within the APC in the state, as other aspirants have also kicked against the consensus arrangement.
Former Minister of Communications, , had earlier rejected the endorsement of as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.
Pantami argued that consensus can only stand if all aspirants formally agree to step down, emphasizing that even a single dissenting voice invalidates the process.
“If one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to direct primaries,” he stated, citing provisions of the Electoral Act.
He further urged his supporters to remain calm while exploring legal options, warning that the party must not disregard established laws guiding candidate selection.
The unfolding dispute signals a potential internal crisis for the APC in Gombe, raising concerns about party unity as political alignments begin to shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
— SUNTV Global Channel
