The race for the 2027 governorship in Yobe State is gathering momentum as APC stalwart, Alhaji Yusuf Zaki, has thrown his weight behind Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, declaring that it is “time” for Yobe South to take the reins of power.
Zaki, a prominent grassroots mobiliser within the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call while addressing journalists in Potiskum, where he urged party stakeholders to embrace equity and zoning by supporting a candidate from Yobe South (Zone B).
He argued that since Nigeria’s return to democracy, the governorship seat has largely rotated outside the zone, citing the dominance of leaders from Yobe East and Yobe North in the state’s political history.
According to him, the late Mamman Ali from Zone B had a brief stint before his demise, after which power shifted to Zone A with Ibrahim Gaidam and later Governor Mai Mala Buni — a trend he said must now be corrected.
“Yobe South deserves its turn. Equity, fairness and justice demand it,” Zaki declared, insisting that Senator Bomai possesses the competence, integrity, and leadership capacity required to govern the state.
He highlighted Bomai’s track record in the National Assembly, pointing to infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements, foreign scholarship programmes, and empowerment initiatives targeting youths and women as evidence of his performance.
Describing him as a detribalised leader, Zaki said Bomai has demonstrated inclusiveness by serving constituents across ethnic and religious lines — a quality he believes is critical for the state’s unity and progress.
The APC chieftain also stressed the importance of continuity, noting that supporting Bomai would help sustain the developmental strides recorded under Governor Buni’s administration.
“Our zone holds a significant voting strength. If APC must retain power in Yobe, Yobe South cannot be ignored,” he warned.
Zaki’s endorsement is expected to further energise political alignments ahead of 2027, as calls for zoning and power shift intensify within the ruling party.
Observers say the push for Yobe South may reshape the contest, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle over equity, influence, and the future direction of governance in the state.
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