Yobe SSG Faces Calls For Impeachment Over Alleged Insubordination to Governor Buni’s Directive.
Political desk
DAMATURU — Fresh political tension is reportedly escalating within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State following allegations that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, rejected a revised campaign council list reportedly approved by Governor Mai Mala Buni. The controversy, which centres on the alleged exclusion of influential political mobilisers and stakeholders, is generating discontent among sections of the party, particularly in Yobe South, with concerns that the disagreement could deepen existing divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy reportedly began after the initial campaign council list released through the Office of the SSG attracted criticism from some party stakeholders over the alleged exclusion of prominent political mobilisers, experienced politicians and influential grassroots figures. Critics questioned the composition of the list, arguing that individuals with established political structures and years of commitment to the APC were overlooked, while some social media promoters perceived to be close to the SSG allegedly received considerable recognition.
The development reportedly prompted the APC Elders Consultative Forum, under the leadership of Hon. Haladu Madi, to raise concerns over what it considered an imbalance in the distribution of political responsibilities. The forum, alongside a group of young politicians from Yobe South, reportedly called for an immediate review of the campaign council to accommodate important political stakeholders whose contributions to the party’s grassroots mobilisation should not be ignored.
Following the complaints and growing dissatisfaction, Governor Mai Mala Buni reportedly directed the relevant APC leadership to review the original list and ensure the inclusion of key political mobilisers, influential party elders and other stakeholders. The intervention was reportedly aimed at addressing grievances, promoting inclusiveness and preventing the campaign organisation from becoming a source of internal division within the ruling party.
However, the situation allegedly took another controversial turn after the party leadership completed its review. According to the allegations, Dr. Mohammed Goje rejected the revised list reportedly approved by Governor Buni, triggering fresh questions about the relationship between the SSG’s office, the governor and the APC leadership. The allegation, if established, would represent a serious disagreement over the implementation of a political decision at the highest level of the state administration.
The unfolding controversy has consequently raised questions about administrative discipline, political coordination and the boundaries of authority within the Yobe State Government. Some stakeholders are reportedly interpreting the alleged rejection as an act of insubordination, arguing that no government official should disregard a lawful directive from the governor. However, any formal determination of misconduct would require verification of the directive, the circumstances surrounding the revised list and the applicable public service rules.
Political dissatisfaction is also reportedly spreading among some APC stakeholders in Yobe South, where influential party members are questioning what they describe as an attempt by individuals outside their established political structures to influence the region’s political direction. Some stakeholders have reportedly challenged Goje to concentrate on political engagements within his home zone, Yobe East, rather than seeking to influence political arrangements in Yobe South. These concerns reflect a growing dispute over political representation, regional influence and recognition within the party.
More troubling for the APC is the reported threat by some aggrieved members to reconsider their continued membership of the party if their exclusion from the campaign structure is not addressed. Such threats, if translated into actual defections or political disengagement, could complicate the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts. The campaign council controversy has therefore become more than a disagreement over appointments; it has developed into a broader debate about political recognition, loyalty and participation.
Another issue attracting attention is the reported dissatisfaction with the political engagement of the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, in the unfolding Yobe South controversy. Some stakeholders are questioning why the candidate has allegedly not intervened more visibly to address the grievances of party members in the zone. They argue that a governorship candidate should maintain communication with influential political blocs and demonstrate concern when disagreements threaten the cohesion of the party’s structures.
In particularly strong expressions of dissatisfaction, some aggrieved stakeholders have reportedly threatened to consider alternative political platforms if their concerns remain unresolved. Some have reportedly questioned whether they should continue supporting the APC governorship project under the prevailing circumstances. These are serious political warnings, although no verified collective decision by the affected stakeholders to abandon the party has been established.
The controversy also raises questions about the role of grassroots mobilisation in the APC’s preparations for 2027. Political influence cannot be measured exclusively by social media visibility, online publicity or personal proximity to government officials. Ward-level organisers, community influencers, party elders, youth leaders and established political mobilisers remain important components of party organisation. Stakeholders argue that a campaign structure that fails to recognise these groups risks creating resentment and weakening internal cooperation.
For Governor Buni, the reported disagreement presents a significant leadership and party-management challenge. His ability to resolve the controversy through consultation, clarification and reconciliation will be closely watched by party members across the three senatorial districts. The governor’s reported directive to review the campaign structure was understood by concerned stakeholders as an attempt to accommodate competing interests. The central question now is whether the revised arrangement will receive the necessary acceptance and implementation.
The implications for Baba Mallam Wali’s 2027 governorship campaign are also becoming part of the political conversation. With stakeholders already expressing dissatisfaction, the campaign organisation will face questions about its inclusiveness, coordination and ability to maintain effective relationships with party structures across Yobe North, Yobe South and Yobe East. Although it is too early to draw conclusions about the electoral consequences, sustained internal disagreements could create organisational challenges for the APC.
The matter also raises a question about the appropriate administrative response if the allegation against the SSG is substantiated. Under applicable public service rules, proven disobedience of a lawful official directive may attract disciplinary consequences, depending on the circumstances and due process. Calls for Goje’s removal from office have therefore emerged as part of the political controversy. Nevertheless, removal or disciplinary action is a matter for the appropriate constitutional and administrative authorities, not an automatic consequence of an unverified allegation.
As the controversy continues to attract attention, the APC leadership must address the grievances before the disagreement develops into a more serious internal crisis. The party’s immediate challenge is to establish which campaign council list has final approval, clarify the alleged rejection and ensure that influential political stakeholders are meaningfully represented. Governor Mai Mala Buni, Dr. Mohammed Goje, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali and the Yobe APC leadership now face mounting questions over the future of the campaign structure. The coming weeks will be important in determining whether dialogue can restore confidence or whether the disagreement will deepen divisions within the ruling party ahead of 2027.