Bello Usman Kumo has stepped back from his governorship bid in Gombe State. The House of Representatives Chief Whip threw his weight behind the APC's consensus candidate instead.
Dr Jamil Isiyaka Gwamna recently emerged as the ruling party's chosen candidate for the 2027 election. Kumo made the announcement in a statement released Thursday.
He explained that the APC had been working hard to secure victory in the upcoming polls. As a party stalwart, Kumo said he'd participated in crafting the Electoral Act 2025 and internal party decisions on primary selection methods.
Initially, Kumo had expressed interest in running for governor himself. But he waited to see which primary format the party would adopt—consensus or direct primary.
"With the consensus option validly adopted and affirmed in accordance with the party's position, I am left with no better option than to toe the party line," Kumo stated. He backed the process that produced Gwamna as the consensus choice.
According to him, the APC congress in Gombe followed legitimate procedures. Everything aligned with party principles, he insisted.
Kumo also reaffirmed his backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya equally deserves support, he added, calling both committed democrats.
He's now appealing to his supporters across the state to fall in line. "Work towards ensuring victory for all our candidates in the next elections," Kumo urged them.
Party unity remains his priority, the lawmaker stressed. He remains fully committed to the APC's success in 2027.
