Former Police Chief Alkali Enters Yobe Governorship Race After Consensus Talks Collapse

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali, has entered the Yobe governorship race after consensus talks among aspirants broke down.

Alkali announced his decision while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State.

He said four other aspirants had already obtained nomination forms, indicating that earlier efforts to agree on a single candidate had failed.

“I therefore obtained the form to join the movement. No one has ever shown me where to sign or even asked me to speak,” he said.

Alkali stated that his understanding of a consensus arrangement was based on a voluntary agreement among aspirants to support one candidate.

“That is the meaning of consensus. Now that this has not happened in Yobe, I have decided to go ahead with my ambition,” he added.

The former police chief said he arrived in Damaturu over the weekend to verify the validity of his nomination forms and to consult party guidelines and stakeholders.

On whether he would step down if party leaders asked him to support another aspirant, he said his decision would depend on the conditions presented.

“I would, if I agree to the terms,” he said.

Alkali also urged his supporters to remain committed throughout the primary election process, regardless of whether the exercise proceeds as scheduled.