Former governor, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje has lost his bid to clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for a fifth term as Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District.
He lost at the direct primary election conducted on Monday by the party in Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas, the two LGAs that make up the district.
Goje lost the bid by a wide margin to a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mohammed Ahmed, who was earlier adopted as the APC consensus candidate for the seat.
The Returning Officer, Dr Habu Dahiru, declared DCP Ahmed winner with 42,785 votes against Senator Goje’s 10,425 votes.
Senator Goje, who governed Gombe State for two terms before being elected to the Senate in 2011, has represented the district for over 14 years.
Speaking to journalists after the primary, DCP Ahmed described the process as peaceful and orderly.
He said the successful conduct of the party’s primary election reflects the growing demand for change in the zone.
“You can see the excitement among the people. Many believe the time has come for Yamaltu-Deba to have a stronger voice at the national level,” he stated.
The retired police officer added that his ambition was not aimed at stopping anyone from contesting, but was driven by the desire of the people for fresh representation and a new direction.