Former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 general election in the state.

Wali secured victory in the APC governorship primary election held on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Damaturu, defeating six other aspirants.

Announcing the results, Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Muttaqah Darma, said the exercise was conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Darma declared Wali the winner after he polled 236,711 votes, far ahead of his closest rival, Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu, who scored 9,748 votes.

Other contestants recorded lower figures, with Bashir Sheriff Machina polling 1,894 votes, Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja 1,178 votes, Hamidu Alhaji Muhammad 1,722 votes, Inusa Muhammad 1,148 votes, and Ma’aji Modu 1,371 votes.

Wali, who hails from Nguru Local Government Area in Yobe North Senatorial District, had earlier emerged as the party’s consensus candidate following consultations among APC stakeholders led by the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam.

His emergence is expected to strengthen calls for the governorship seat to rotate to Yobe North, the only senatorial district yet to produce either a governor or deputy governor since the state was created in 1991.

Born in 1958, Wali obtained both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He began his public service career at the Chad Basin Development Authority and later served in several government positions, including permanent secretary in various ministries.

He also served as Secretary to the State Government under former Governor Ibrahim Geidam and Governor Mai Mala Buni.

In March, the Progressive Governors Forum recognised him as Nigeria’s longest-serving Secretary to a State Government.