By Abubakar H. Muhammad (9News Nigeria, Northeast)

Senator Musa Mustapha has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Yobe State.He declared support for Governor Mai Mala Buni’s senatorial bid and former SSG Baba Malam Wali as the preferred governorship candidate.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Mustapha said the decision follows an April 23, 2026, meeting of the Yobe APC Critical Stakeholders’ Forum convened by Governor Buni and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam at the Government House Banquet Hall, Damaturu.

“During the meeting, we unanimously made commitment that we would support whoever our leaders presented as their preferred governorship candidate,” Mustapha said.

“I was fully aware of the weight of my commitment and I was determined to abide by whatever decision they arrived at.”

Citing “integrity and responsibility,” the Yobe East senator announced his formal withdrawal from the contest for the APC gubernatorial ticket.

He also clarified he is not seeking the senatorial ticket.

“I will fully support our leader, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni to contest the senatorial seat,” he stated.

Mustapha thanked Buni and Gaidam for opportunities to serve as Executive Secretary, Yobe State Scholarship Board, two-time Commissioner, and now Senator representing Yobe East.

“I will forever remain grateful to them for this rare privilege,” he said.

The senator directed supporters to shut down or rename all social media platforms registered in his name and use them to promote APC candidates in Yobe and beyond.

He also appealed to those posting his pictures or campaigning for him for any office to “halt such with immediate effect.”

“A decision has been made and I am fully in support of it,” Mustapha said.

He congratulated former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alh. Baba Malam Wali, “for emerging as the preferred choice of our leaders to lead our dear State.”

Mustapha also extended best wishes to all APC candidates in Yobe.