APC Stakeholders Back Goje’s 2027 Senate Return, Rally Behind Tinubu

By Auwal Ahmad Umar 

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe Central Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind the return of Senator Mohammad Danjuma Goje to the Senate in 2027, citing his experience and track record in public service.

The endorsement, which cuts across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas, also included support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The show of support gathered momentum earlier this month when residents of Yamaltu/Deba, in large numbers, publicly declared their backing for the former governor’s return to the National Assembly. Speaking on behalf of the 11 wards in the area, Dr. Newton Moses said the people were united in their decision.

“We have carefully assessed his contributions and believe he still has much to offer. Our people are firmly behind his return in 2027,” he said.

The position was reinforced on Tuesday when APC leaders and stakeholders from Akko Local Government Area held a meeting in Gombe, where they aligned with their Yamaltu/Deba counterparts and reaffirmed their support for Senator Goje’s continued representation.

The meeting, described as strategic, followed consultations triggered by recent political engagements within the state, including interactions between local leaders and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Prof. Mustapha Babawuro Yahaya of the Federal University Kashere said the endorsement reflected the broader sentiment among constituents.

“Democracy thrives on the will of the people and credible leadership. There is no constitutional barrier to legislative continuity, and where a representative has demonstrated competence, the electorate has every right to retain such leadership,” he said.

He added that Senator Goje’s years in public office had translated into “tangible development, effective advocacy, and strong representation” for the district.

According to him, there is widespread grassroots support for the lawmaker across Akko and the wider Gombe Central zone.

“This is not just political rhetoric. The support is visible and consistent. People believe in his capacity to deliver,” he said.

The stakeholders also stressed the importance of experience in legislative work, arguing that continuity in the National Assembly enhances effectiveness.

“Law-making requires institutional knowledge and established networks. Senator Goje’s seniority places him in a position to attract federal projects and defend the interests of the constituency more effectively,” the group said.

They noted that the ongoing economic reforms in the country demand experienced lawmakers who can navigate complex policy environments and advocate for their people.

The group, however, raised concerns over the APC’s performance in the 2023 general elections in the state, pointing out that the party lost two of the three senatorial seats and the majority of House of Representatives positions.

“The only bright spot was Gombe Central, where Senator Goje secured victory alongside a House of Representatives member from his area,” they said.

They further argued that internal party dynamics at the time may have contributed to the outcome, urging greater inclusiveness and unity going forward.

While acknowledging recent political developments in the state, the stakeholders called for transparency and adherence to democratic principles in decisions regarding future representation.

“Leadership choices must reflect the genuine will of the people, free from imposition or undue interference,” they said.

The group said it had formally communicated its position to the APC leadership through its national chairman, urging the party to respect the voice of the electorate.

Reaffirming their stance, the stakeholders insisted that retaining Senator Goje would guarantee stability and sustained development for Gombe Central.

“Our support is rooted in conviction. We believe his continued presence in the Senate will bring more opportunities and strengthen representation for our people,” they added.

Kebbi Youths Tell Malami to Step Back After Hostile Reception in Birnin Kebbi

A youth group in Kebbi State has asked the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to reconsider any political ambitions after he was reportedly greeted with hostility during a recent visit to Birnin Kebbi.

The Kebbi Progressive Youths (KEPYO) said the reaction from some residents, particularly young people, should serve as a clear signal of public sentiment in the state.Witnesses reported that upon his arrival, Mr. Malami faced boos and groups of youths chanted “barawo bai mulki,” a Hausa expression meaning “a thief cannot govern.”

The chants appeared to reference corruption allegations that have trailed the former minister since leaving office.

Some of the youths also shouted “Kaura tuta,”, a slogan associated with support for the incumbent governor, Nasir Idris, widely known as Kaura.

In a statement issued after the incident, KEPYO spokesperson, Comrade Musa Adamu, said the development should prompt the former minister to pause any political moves.

“The reception he received from the youths clearly reflects the mood of many people in the state,” Mr Adamu said.“Instead of inviting more embarrassment, he should shelve whatever political ambitions he has and preserve whatever dignity he still possesses.”

The group warned that attempting to re-enter Kebbi’s political space without broad acceptance could provoke further backlash.

The Kebbi people have made their position known. Any move that goes against the prevailing sentiment may only deepen tensions and attract stronger resistance,” Mr Adamu added.

KEPYO maintained that residents remain largely supportive of the current administration and urged political actors to respect the will of the people.Mr Malami has yet to publicly respond to the incident or the statement issued by the youth group.

Reps Minority Whip Ali Isa Resigns from PDP, Cites Internal Crisis

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Ali Isa, the minority whip of the House of Representatives, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing what he described as the takeover of the party by undemocratic forces.

Mr Isa, who represents Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency of Gombe State, announced his resignation in a letter dated 14 April and addressed to the PDP chairman of Kindiyo Ward in Cham, Balanga Local Government Area.

The lawmaker said his decision takes immediate effect.

In the letter, Mr Isa attributed his exit to internal divisions within the party, which he said had resulted in factional leadership inconsistent with the PDP’s founding principles.

“My decision is compelled by the way and manner in which some undemocratic forces have hijacked the party for reasons that are contrary to its founding principles and philosophy,” he wrote.

He added that he reached the decision after consultations with family members, political associates and other stakeholders.

According to him, remaining in the party would no longer serve his political future or that of his constituents.

“After a series of rigorous consultations… I have arrived at the conclusion that the path to my political future, as well as the political future of the great people who gave me their mandate… lies outside the PDP,” he said.

The lawmaker also said his constituents deserve a political platform that would better protect their interests.

Mr Isa thanked the PDP for providing him the platform to emerge as a member of the National Assembly, noting that he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve.

“I wish to sincerely thank its leadership and membership for giving me the platform… “I will always be grateful,” he added.

His resignation comes amid growing political realignments across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts noting that internal disputes within major parties could shape emerging alliances in states like Gombe, potentially impacting the overall political landscape and voter sentiment in the upcoming elections.