Ahmad Lawan Withdraws from Yobe Governorship Race

Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the former Senate President, withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race for Yobe State, where he was initially a contender for the party's ticket. His withdrawal came after the endorsement of Baba Malam Wali, a former state secretary, by party stakeholders, including Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Lawan's relationship with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC leader, became strained during the presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 elections. Despite his earlier enthusiasm to contest, Lawan's decision to withdraw was influenced by the political landscape, including ethnic dynamics, as he belongs to the Bade ethnic group, while Wali is from the Kanuri group, which constitutes a significant portion of the state's population.

Lawan acknowledged the diverse opinions among party supporters and emphasized the need for unity in Yobe State's political future. His recent visit to Ibrahim Geidam reaffirmed his support for the APC's consensus candidate, indicating a strategic alignment with party leadership.