Governor Commends Orderly Conduct, Massive Turnout As APC Holds Direct Primaries Across State
Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the All Progressives Congress direct primaries held across the state, describing the exercise as peaceful, orderly and a strong reflection of internal democracy within the party.
The governor spoke on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Jekadafari Nursery School, one of the designated centres for the APC House of Representatives primary election in Gombe metropolis.
Yahaya commended party members for their large turnout and peaceful behaviour during the exercise, while also praising electoral officials and party leaders for successfully coordinating the primaries.
According to him, he personally participated in the voting process and was impressed by the level of organisation, discipline and calm atmosphere observed at the polling centre.
The governor expressed confidence that similar peaceful conduct was taking place across other parts of the state, adding that he expected the entire primary election process to conclude successfully without violence or disruption.
Yahaya also appealed to APC members to remain united after the primaries regardless of who emerges victorious, insisting that there should be no room for division or bitterness within the party.
He stressed that all aspirants and supporters remain members of one political family, noting that the APC must continue working together to achieve its goals and meet the expectations of the people of Gombe State.
According to the governor, the party does not view the process in terms of winners and losers, but rather as a democratic exercise aimed at strengthening the APC ahead of future elections.
Speaking further, Yahaya defended the party’s decision to conduct direct primaries after earlier discussions around possible consensus arrangements.
He explained that allowing members to participate directly in the voting process demonstrated the APC’s commitment to democratic principles and internal participation.
The governor added that party members had embraced the process peacefully and responsibly, which he said reflected growing political maturity within the state chapter of the APC.
Commenting on the turnout, Yahaya stated that he was highly impressed with the participation level and preparations made for the exercise.
He noted that what he observed at the polling centre convinced him that the party had adequately prepared for the primaries while ensuring proper coordination and security.
Also speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Kabiru Musa, described the primaries as a model election that reflected transparency, credibility and peaceful participation.
According to him, the process showed that elections in Nigeria can be conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner when properly organised.
He commended party members for maintaining orderliness throughout the exercise and praised officials for ensuring the smooth conduct of voting activities.
Observers at the exercise reported that voting at Dawarki Ward began around 11am and was completed within about 20 minutes, while the process at Jekadafari Ward reportedly started at about 11:54am and ended shortly after noon under tight security and peaceful conditions.
