APC Senatorial Pry Election: Fmr Gov Goje Loses Bid To Return To Senate For Fifth Time

By Ayodele Oni 

A retired police officer has emerged as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  in Gombe state after defeating a former Governor and incumbent Senator, Danjuma 

Goje lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress senatorial ticket for Gombe Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former governor was defeated in Monday’s direct primary election by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Mohammed Ahmed. DCP Ahmed enjoyed the backing of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Results announced by the returning officer, Dr. Habu Dahiru, showed that Ahmed polled 42,785 votes, while Goje secured 10,425 votes across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas, the two councils that make up the senatorial district.

Ahmed had earlier emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC for the seat before the primary election.

Goje has represented Gombe Central in the Senate since 2011 after completing two terms as Governor of the State. 

Speaking after the exercise, Ahmed described the primary as peaceful and orderly, adding that residents of the district were eager for a fresh direction in representation at the National Assembly. 

“You can see the excitement among the people. Many believe the time has come for Yamaltu-Deba to have a stronger voice at the national level,” he stated.

The APC candidate added that his ambition was driven by public demand for change rather than personal rivalry.

An aide to Goje declined to comment on the outcome, saying he needed approval from the former governor before speaking with journalists.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, emerged unopposed during the party’s primary election held at Methodist School Ukana, Ukana West II Ward, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

A statement issued Monday by Akpabio’s media office said party supporters and residents turned out in large numbers to witness the affirmation of the former governor as the APC candidate for the district.

“Although he was the only aspirant, his kinsmen trooped out to the Ward Centre to support their son whom they said had given them effective representation in all the previous offices he had held having served as Commissioner, Governor, Minority Leader of the Senate, Minister and presently the President of the 10th Senate,” the Statement read.