Usman Alkali Baba, the former police chief, has stepped away from Yobe's 2027 governorship contest. He was running under the All Progressives Congress banner.
Baba made the announcement through a written statement on Thursday. He cited extensive talks with party leaders as the reason for his decision.
According to him, the move protects unity within the APC ahead of primary elections. Stability and cohesion were his main concerns, he noted.
"I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the governorship ticket," Baba stated in his statement. His consultations included Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors of Yobe and Borno, party elders, and stakeholders from all 17 local government areas.
The retired police boss called the decision difficult but unavoidable. He urged his supporters to back the APC and its ultimate candidate without hesitation.
Baba stressed his continued interest in Yobe's progress despite leaving the race. He remains committed to the state's development going forward, he added.
Just one day earlier, another aspirant had quit the contest too. Lawan Kolo Geidam withdrew after meeting with Vice President Shettima and members of the G-6 aspirants group in Abuja.
Five candidates remain in the running for the APC ticket. Senator Ibrahim Muhammed Bomai, Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, Bashir Sheriff Machina and Kashim Musa Tumsah are still in the race.
