By, Sani Gazas Chinade Damaturu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially cleared Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, to contest for the Yobe East Senatorial seat, as top party leaders described him as one of the finest political leaders in the country.
Governor Buni was screened and declared qualified on Saturday by the APC Senatorial Screening Committee chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The development marks a major political step for the Yobe governor ahead of the 2027 political transition, with party leaders openly praising his leadership style, loyalty, and contributions to the growth of the APC.
In a statement issued by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, Prof. Nentawe said Governor Buni’s political experience and service to the party made him exceptionally qualified for the Senate position.
“Your Excellency, you have been screened multiple times and screened others severally,” the APC chairman stated during the exercise.
“You have served the party in various capacities with glory. You are indeed most qualified for any position. I hereby declare you qualified to contest the senatorial position in Yobe State,” he declared.
The screening session turned into a celebration of Buni’s political record, with several members of the National Working Committee openly commending his role in stabilizing and rebuilding the APC during difficult periods in the party’s history.
Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who served under Buni during his tenure as APC National Chairman, described the Yobe governor as a model leader whose leadership qualities should be emulated across Nigeria.
“Gov. Buni is the type of leader that we should all emulate. He is the type of leader Nigeria needs,” Giadom said.
The APC legal adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kanka, also praised Governor Buni, describing him as a “complete gentleman” committed to the welfare and interests of his people.
Political observers say the endorsements from senior APC leaders reflect Buni’s growing influence within the ruling party and his reputation as one of the most experienced political figures in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Buni previously served as the National Secretary of the APC before becoming chairman of the party’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, where he played a central role in reconciling factions and stabilizing the party ahead of national conventions.
His administration in Yobe State has also been associated with infrastructure development, security collaboration, education reforms, and reconstruction efforts in communities affected by insurgency.
Responding after the screening, Governor Buni expressed appreciation to the APC National Working Committee and members of the screening committee for what he described as an honourable and transparent exercise.
He urged the party leadership to remain united and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I urge the NWC to remain resolute and embrace teamwork to ensure the success of the party in the 2027 general election,” the governor said.
According to him, the APC leadership under the current National Working Committee has continued to reposition the ruling party and strengthen internal stability.
“The NWC is doing a very good job in repositioning the party with great stability and the party is growing,” Buni stated.
“I congratulate and commend you. I urge you to keep it up in the interest of our party and democracy,” he added.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the governor described the screening process as “free, fair and objective,” while reaffirming his commitment to the ideals and growth of the APC.
Political analysts believe Buni’s Senate ambition could further strengthen APC’s political dominance in Yobe State, where the party continues to enjoy significant grassroots support.
Observers also note that the governor’s smooth clearance and strong endorsements from party leaders suggest that he remains one of the most influential political figures within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Yobe East Senatorial race is already attracting attention within political circles, with many party supporters viewing Buni’s entry into the contest as a major boost for the ruling party’s chances in the zone.
For many APC stakeholders, however, Saturday’s screening exercise was more than a routine party procedure — it was a public reaffirmation of Governor Buni’s standing as one of the party’s most trusted leaders and a key player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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