Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has firmly denied any involvement in the reported opposition coalition being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections. The governor made his position clear through a statement issued by his Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday.
This clarification follows the circulation of a viral message claiming that Governor Buni and four other governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were preparing to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of a broader political realignment being orchestrated by the former vice president. The message, which has since sparked speculation across political circles, alleged that the governors were on the verge of joining Atiku’s proposed coalition aimed at challenging the ruling party in 2027.
However, Mohammed dismissed the claims as entirely fictitious and lacking any connection to reality. He described the viral report as a “baseless fabrication” and the product of unfounded assumptions with no credible source or foundation.
“At no point has the individual behind this claim been in contact with His Excellency, let alone have the insight or proximity to predict the governor’s political trajectory,” Mohammed said. “It is nothing but a figment of the author’s imagination, a concoction built on lies, assumptions, and desperation.”
He emphasized that Governor Buni remains a core member of the APC, and any suggestion of his defection is not only mischievous but an insult to the governor’s legacy and longstanding commitment to the party. Mohammed noted that Buni’s political journey within the APC has been integral to its foundation and development, pointing to his previous roles as a two-term National Secretary and as Chairman of the party’s National Convention Committee.
“Governor Buni is not just an APC governor; he is the embodiment of the APC. The party runs in his bloodstream. His leadership qualities and achievements speak volumes of his loyalty and contribution to the success and stability of the APC nationwide,” Mohammed stated.
He went further to suggest that the originators of the defection rumour may be political detractors envious of Buni’s strategic political influence. “Clearly, the authors and their sponsors are envious of Governor Buni’s political stature and are attempting to associate him with their imaginary coalition for relevance. It is nothing more than wishful thinking,” he added.
The Yobe State government reiterated that Governor Buni remains steadfast in his support for the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, while urging the public to disregard any misinformation suggesting otherwise.
With this firm rebuttal, Governor Buni joins a growing list of political figures distancing themselves from alleged plans to align with opposition forces as political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to evolve.
