Senator Mustapha Musa, representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 race and thrown his support behind Governor Mai Mala Buni as his preferred successor. The decision was announced in a statement released by the senator on Wednesday.
Withdrawal and Endorsement
In his statement, Senator Musa declared, "I hereby formally withdraw from the contest for the ticket." He emphasized that he would not seek any other elective office and directed his supporters to cease circulating campaign materials on his behalf. The senator congratulated Baba Mallam Wali, the former Secretary to the State Government, who has been selected by party leaders as the preferred governorship candidate. He wished Wali and all APC candidates success in the upcoming elections.
Gratitude to Political Mentors
Reflecting on his political journey, Senator Musa expressed deep appreciation to Governor Buni and Senator Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of Police Affairs, for their mentorship and support. He noted that their guidance shaped his career from his early days as Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board to Commissioner and eventually Senator. According to reports, Senator Musa is Geidam's in-law, as the minister is married to his biological daughter. Similarly, Governor Buni is also an in-law to Geidam, having married his daughter shortly after becoming governor in 2019.
Political Implications
Political observers believe this development signals a strong push for inclusion and unity within the APC. With Senator Musa stepping aside and aligning with party decisions, the APC appears to be consolidating its strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move is seen as part of the party's wider efforts to strengthen cohesion and present a united front.
Who is Mai Mala Buni?
Mai Mala Buni was born on November 19, 1967, in Gujba, Yobe State. He began his political journey in 1992 as a councillor and later became Speaker of the Gujba Local Government Legislative Council. Over the years, he held several roles, including Special Adviser on Political Affairs in Yobe and National Secretary of the APC from 2014 to 2019. Buni played a key role in the APC's victory in the 2015 general elections. In 2019, he was elected Governor of Yobe State. He also served as APC Caretaker Chairman between 2020 and 2022, consolidating his influence in national politics.
Related Developments
In a separate development, former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has obtained the APC expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 Nasarawa state governorship election. Adamu has rejected the consensus and preferred candidate, Senator Ahmed Wadada. Governor Abdullahi Sule announced Senator Wadada as the preferred candidate to succeed him, but Adamu insists on contesting the primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026.
