By Auwal Umar, Gombe

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Isa Ali Pantami, has promised to prioritise accountability, poverty reduction and economic empowerment, pledging that public resources would be directed towards projects that improve the lives of residents if elected governor in 2027.

Pantami made the pledge on Wednesday in Gombe after receiving the party’s governorship flag from its National Chairman, Abdurrahman Muhammad, at a rally marking his formal presentation as the PDP candidate for next year’s election.

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said his administration would pursue policies aimed at creating employment, supporting businesses and expanding economic opportunities for young people and women.

He also identified farmers, traders and local contractors as key groups that would receive attention under his proposed development agenda.

“We must create opportunities for our people to earn a decent living. Our young people and women need access to employment and economic opportunities, while farmers, traders and local contractors must receive the support required to contribute to the state’s development,” Pantami said.

He said tackling poverty would require more than promises, stressing the need for practical programmes that would enable residents to become economically self-reliant.

Pantami also pledged to promote responsible management of public funds, insisting that government resources should be used for the benefit of the people rather than diverted from their intended purposes.

He said his proposed administration would focus on development projects and social interventions capable of addressing the needs of communities across the state.

The rally was attended by former Gombe State Governor and Senator representing Gombe North, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who urged PDP members to unite behind Pantami and work collectively towards the party’s ambition in 2027.

Dankwambo called on supporters to set aside internal disagreements and strengthen the party’s structures, saying a united membership would be important in taking its message to voters across the state.

He urged party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation and engage residents on the PDP’s vision and development priorities, rather than allow personal differences to undermine their collective efforts.

“The task ahead requires unity, commitment and collective responsibility. Members must work together, reach out to the people and ensure that the party’s message is clearly communicated across every community,” Dankwambo said.

The former governor also appealed to supporters to maintain peaceful conduct throughout the political process and ensure that discussions remained focused on issues affecting the people.

Dankwambo governed Gombe State from 2011 to 2019 before being elected to represent Gombe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The rally brought together PDP leaders, stakeholders and supporters from different parts of the state as the party formally presented Pantami as its flag bearer ahead of the 2027 governorship election.