In a move to deepen party unity, cohesion and consensus-building ahead of forthcoming electoral activities, Gombe State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, on Tuesday convened a high-level strategic meeting with governorship and National Assembly aspirants on the platform of the party.
The meeting, held at the Government House, Gombe, was attended by all aspirants in what the attendees described as a timely and proactive measure to strengthen the APC family and lay the groundwork for the seamless emergence of consensus candidates.
Deliberations centered on mutual understanding, party discipline, inclusiveness and strategic alignment, with Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasizing the need for the APC to approach the coming political process as one united and indivisible family.
The aspirants unanimously commended the Governor for convening the interaction at such a critical moment, describing it as a clear demonstration of his commitment to consultation, transparent leadership and the long-term stability of the party.
They pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the APC and full support for the Governor’s decisions at all times, expressing confidence in his capacity to guide the party toward peaceful consensus arrangements that will preserve unity and enhance its electoral prospects.
A major outcome of the meeting was the collective endorsement of consensus candidacy as the preferred pathway for the emergence of party flagbearers, with participants stressing that such an approach would ensure the support of all aspirants for whoever eventually emerges.
To further strengthen the process, participants proposed the adoption of micro-zoning mechanisms as a practical framework for balancing interests and streamlining decision-making in a manner that reflects fairness, inclusivity and political realities across constituencies.
The meeting also recommended that similar consultations be extended to stakeholders and party leaders at the local government level, in order to ensure grassroots ownership of the consensus process and deepen cohesion across the state.
In a further demonstration of inclusiveness, participants called for the consideration of a female affirmative agenda, urging the party leadership to create adequate space for women’s participation in the consensus arrangements and the broader political process.
The aspirants also cautioned against the spread of false narratives and unverified claims attributed to the party leader regarding the choice of candidates.
Participants particularly appreciated the Governor’s frankness, sincerity and openness, noting that his leadership style has continued to strengthen the party’s internal democratic culture.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders declared the interaction a resounding success, affirming that it had achieved its objective of reinforcing understanding and firmly setting the APC on the path of consensus and victory.
The meeting moved a motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, which was unanimously adopted through a standing ovation by all aspirants present.
Recall that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier held a series of consultative meetings with key stakeholders, including ward party chairmen, local government party chairmen and secretaries, state party executives, party elders, and other critical stakeholders, as part of his ongoing consultations.