Yobe Senator Musa Mustapha Withdraws Re-election Bid to Support Governor Mai Mala Buni for 2027 Seat

Yobe Senator Musa Mustapha withdraws from the 2027 race, endorsing Governor Mai Mala Buni for the Senate and Baba Mallam Wali for Governor.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 4:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Punch

A Comprehensive Withdrawal from the Electoral Race

The Senator representing Yobe East Senatorial District, Musa Mustapha, has announced his total withdrawal from the upcoming 2027 political contests. In a formal statement issued on Thursday, the lawmaker confirmed he would not be seeking a second term in the National Assembly, nor would he pursue the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket. Mustapha characterized this move as an exercise in integrity and responsibility, noting that his decision aligns with the broader succession plans established by the state’s political leadership.

Strategic Realignment in Yobe East

Rather than seeking to retain his current legislative position, Mustapha has thrown his full weight behind Governor Mai Mala Buni. The senator stated that he will fully support the Governor to contest the Yobe East senatorial seat, signaling a significant shift in the district's representation. This endorsement follows a high level meeting of the Yobe APC Critical Stakeholders’ Forum, which took place on April 23, 2026, in Damaturu. The gathering, convened by Buni and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam, was instrumental in shaping the party’s unified front for the next election cycle.

Support for the Preferred Gubernatorial Successor

In addition to his senatorial endorsement, Mustapha has recognized and congratulated the party's choice for the state's executive leadership. He identified the former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, as the preferred candidate selected by party leaders to govern the state. Mustapha urged his supporters to accept this decision, emphasizing that the participants at the stakeholders' forum had unanimously agreed to back the candidates presented by the party’s top tier leadership.