APC Tightens Grip on Yamaltu/Deba as SDP, NNPP, LP Executives Defect

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The political dynamics in Gombe State shifted on Monday as top executives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Labour Party (LP) in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decampees, drawn from the local government and ward structures, were formally received by the Member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Inuwa Garba.

Speaking at the reception, Hon. Garba described the development as a major boost for the ruling party.

> “Today marks a significant moment for our great party in Yamaltu/Deba. The decision of these respected executives to join the APC reflects the growing trust our people have in our leadership and vision,” he said.

He assured the new members of fairness and full inclusion within the party.

> “The APC is a family. We do not discriminate. Everyone who joins us will be given equal opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the party,” Garba stated.

The lawmaker added that the APC remains focused on grassroots development and responsive representation.

> “Our commitment is to deliver dividends of democracy to our people. This movement is not just about politics; it is about progress, unity, and sustainable development,” he added.

One of the defecting executives, who spoke on behalf of the group, said their decision was driven by the need to align with a party they believe can better serve the people.

> “After wide consultations, we resolved to join the APC because we are convinced that it offers a more practical platform to advance the interests of our communities,” the spokesperson said.

The event attracted party stakeholders, supporters, and community leaders, signaling what observers described as a strengthening of the APC’s structure in the area.

Although the invitation to cover the event came at short notice, members of the chapel were present to represent and document the proceedings.

The latest defections are expected to further consolidate the APC’s influence in Yamaltu/Deba as political realignments continue across the state.

Gov. Yahaya Commissions 27km Road, Unveils Fresh Projects to Deepen Grassroots Development in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has inaugurated the 27-kilometre Kuri–Nasarawa–Lambam–Gelambam–Dasa Talasse Junction Road, describing it as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening rural connectivity and promoting inclusive growth across communities in Gombe State.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor said the newly completed road would open up agrarian settlements, ease transportation challenges and stimulate economic integration in the area.

“We promised you, and by the grace of God, we have delivered. You elected us, and we assured you of this road,” he declared to a cheering crowd.

He further disclosed that the State Executive Council had, just two days earlier, approved the construction of the 19.9-kilometre Mararraban Kwaji–Jagali–Jarawa–Maikaho–Tsando–Dandela to Dasa Road, expanding the administration’s rural infrastructure drive.

According to him, plans are already underway to extend the road network to link Kembu, Kidda and Panda communities to the Kuri axis in order to enhance agricultural productivity and foster broader economic activities.

The governor also directed the immediate rehabilitation and upgrading of the deteriorated stretch from Kuran Mota (Kuri Junction) to Kuri Bridge, which was originally constructed by a previous administration.

The event witnessed a political highlight as hundreds of supporters defected to the All Progressives Congress, attributing their decision to what they described as the governor’s purposeful leadership and visible developmental strides.

At the Palace of the Emir of Deba, where he holds the traditional title of Dolakin Deba, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development through the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

“It is our hope that these LCDAs will eventually evolve into fully recognised Local Government Areas as provided for by the Constitution,” he said, noting that structured decentralisation would strengthen traditional institutions and improve service delivery.

He observed that Gombe State’s population has grown from under two million to over four million, stressing that proactive planning is necessary to meet rising social and economic demands.

“Security, education, healthcare and other essential services are fundamental rights of our people. We are taking deliberate steps to fulfil these obligations,” he assured.

The Emir of Deba, HRH Alhaji Ahmed Usman, commended the governor for executing impactful projects across the emirate and the state.

Similarly, at the Palace of the Emir of Yamaltu, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who also bears the traditional title of Baraden Yamaltu, expressed satisfaction with the renovation of the Emirate Council undertaken by the Joint Project Development Agency.

Despite financial constraints, he said his administration has delivered measurable progress, citing the establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadinkowa as a key initiative designed to create jobs and boost economic prosperity.

He called on residents to safeguard public infrastructure, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.

In his remarks, the Emir of Yamaltu, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, lauded the governor for fulfilling campaign promises and exceeding expectations through the creation of LCDAs, road expansion and the industrial park initiative.

While inspecting the ongoing Garin Bukar Bridge project, the governor explained that his knowledge of the terrain informed his collaboration with the North East Development Commission for its execution. He expressed gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project and assured residents that the state government would construct connecting roads to link Tsando and neighbouring communities upon completion.

In Dadinkowa, the governor laid the foundation for the Yamaltu East LCDA Secretariat and announced that elections for LCDA chairmen and councillors would be conducted in the coming months, urging youths to actively participate in grassroots governance.

A similar groundbreaking ceremony was held in Zambuk for the Yamaltu West LCDA Secretariat. The governor revealed that the bill seeking constitutional recognition for the LCDAs has passed first, second and third readings at the National Assembly and is nearing finalisation.

He added that indigenous contractors were deliberately engaged for both projects to encourage local participation and ownership.

Chairman of the Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Difa, praised the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, while the member representing the Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba, said the governor’s achievements influenced his alignment with the APC.

Hon. Musa Manager Zambuk, representing Yamaltu West in the State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation on behalf of his constituents for the creation of the Yamaltu West LCDA.

Director-General of the Joint Project Development Agency, Dr. Mahmud Yusuf, assured that the new secretariats would be equipped with modern facilities and completed within four months.

The governor also inspected the NALDA Market in Kwadon, where internal roads and solar-powered streetlights have been installed to improve commercial activities.

Across all locations visited, large crowds gathered to welcome the governor, reflecting growing public enthusiasm for the administration’s development agenda.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Launches Ramadan Lifeline for 70,000 Vulnerable Residents in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commenced the 2026 Ramadan food support programme, unveiling plans to distribute relief items to 70,000 vulnerable residents across Gombe State as part of efforts to ease hardship during the holy month.

Speaking at the official launch in Gombe on Friday, the governor described Ramadan as “a sacred season of mercy, sacrifice, and compassion”, urging citizens to reflect its values in their daily lives.

“Ramadan goes beyond fasting; it reminds us of our shared duty to uplift the poor, the weak and the less privileged in our communities,” he said.

The governor noted that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has sustained seasonal intervention programmes to reduce the burden on citizens, especially during Ramadan. He explained that the 2026 initiative is designed to ensure broader inclusion and expanded reach.

“This year, 70,000 beneficiaries across the state will receive food items. We are determined to ensure that no vulnerable resident is left behind,” he stated.

According to him, the beneficiaries include persons living with disabilities, orphanages, religious organisations, support groups, and other disadvantaged members of society whose welfare remains a priority of his administration.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained that the Ramadan distribution is part of a wider social investment strategy implemented over the years, encompassing food assistance, empowerment schemes, and humanitarian programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

“Governance must translate into meaningful impact in the lives of the people. Prosperity only has value when it is shared,” he added.

To guarantee fairness and accountability, the governor announced the inauguration of a Palliative Distribution Committee to oversee the exercise across the state. He urged members to discharge their responsibilities with honesty and dedication.

“I charge the committee to ensure transparency and equity so that these items reach those who genuinely need them,” he stressed.

He also appealed to philanthropists, private organisations, faith-based institutions, and development partners to complement government efforts in supporting vulnerable citizens during the fasting period.

The governor observed that this year’s Ramadan coincides with the Christian Lenten season, describing the overlap as symbolic of shared virtues such as self-restraint, love, and generosity. He encouraged residents to use the period to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya further called on citizens to pray for Nigeria’s peace and stability and for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in steering the nation through ongoing reforms.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of food items to selected beneficiaries, signalling the commencement of distribution across all local government areas.

Earlier, Chairman of the Ramadan Palliative Distribution Committee, Muhammad Abdulkadir Waziri, assured that the committee would uphold strict standards of transparency and fairness throughout the process.

Waziri, who also serves as Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, disclosed that the relief packages contain essential food items, including rice, spaghetti, and sugar.

“We are committed to ensuring that these supplies are delivered directly to deserving and vulnerable individuals in every community,” he said.

The governor concluded by praying for the acceptance of the fasting, supplications, and charitable acts of the people of Gombe State and Nigeria, wishing them a peaceful and spiritually rewarding Ramadan.