By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has suffered another setback following the defection of its chairmen in Kwami and Nafada Local Government Areas to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Yayayi of Kwami and Alhaji Yusuf Isa Jigawa-Nafada, announced their departure from the opposition party after separate meetings with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The meetings were facilitated by Senator Usman Bayero Nafada, Coordinating Patron of the Gombe APC Campaign Council.

In a move to formalise their decision, both politicians have submitted resignation letters to their respective PDP ward chairmen, bringing their membership of the opposition party to an end.

The two former council chairmen also pledged to move their political structures, grassroots networks and mobilisation teams into the APC, assuring the ruling party of their commitment to its activities at all levels.

During their separate meetings with the governor, they reportedly commended his leadership and expressed their willingness to contribute to the APC’s political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Welcoming the defectors, Governor Yahaya expressed confidence that their decision to join the APC would strengthen the party’s structures in Kwami and Nafada and expand its grassroots engagement across the two local government areas.

Their defection comes amid political realignments in Gombe State as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Chinedu Okafor, Enugu

The Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM) has called on political parties, government officials and security agencies in Enugu State to uphold democratic principles, protect citizens’ rights and promote peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement made the appeal amid rising political tensions in the state, warning that violence, intimidation, inflammatory statements and the circulation of unverified allegations could threaten public confidence in the electoral process.

In a statement outlining its position, NDM said political differences should be resolved through dialogue, respect for the law and constructive engagement rather than confrontation.

The group’s reaction followed reports of incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on October 10, 2026.

While the Enugu State Government has denied responsibility for the incidents, the police have announced an investigation into a reported shooting outside the party’s secretariat.

NDM called for a comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation to establish what happened, urging authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.

It stressed that political disagreements must not be used to justify violence, threats, destruction of property or interference with lawful political activities.

The movement also urged political parties, their supporters and public officials to avoid provocative statements and refrain from presenting unverified claims as established facts.

It called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and independent in carrying out their duties, ensuring that all political parties and citizens can freely exercise their rights to association, peaceful assembly and political participation.

NDM SEEKS FAIR DEVELOPMENT FOR ENUGU NORTH

Beyond the security concerns, the movement urged the Enugu State Government to ensure that Enugu North Senatorial District receives adequate attention in the proposed 25-year development plan intended to guide the state’s growth through 2051.

NDM described the long-term plan as an opportunity to address critical challenges affecting communities across the district, particularly in rural infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth employment, access to clean water and sustainable economic development.

The group said the planning process should be inclusive and guided by evidence, with residents given meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions affecting their communities.

It also called for clearly defined development targets and transparent monitoring mechanisms to track project implementation and measure progress.

NDM specifically highlighted the development needs of Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Etiti and Isi-Uzo local government areas, urging the government to ensure that their priorities are adequately reflected in the final development framework.

The movement further called on elected representatives and public officials to regularly inform constituents about government projects, budget implementation and the delivery of essential services.

GROUP URGES ISSUE-BASED CAMPAIGNS AHEAD OF 2027

With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, NDM cautioned politicians against allowing personal attacks, propaganda and political rivalries to overshadow discussions about public welfare.

It urged political parties and aspirants to focus their engagements with voters on employment, quality education, accessible healthcare, rural development, agricultural productivity, security, transparent governance and improved living conditions.

The group also encouraged candidates to present practical and measurable policy proposals, including clear implementation plans and realistic cost estimates, to enable citizens to assess their commitments.

According to the movement, residents of Enugu State, particularly those in Enugu North Senatorial District, should have opportunities to evaluate political programmes based on proposed policies and development priorities.

NDM said it would continue to promote civic participation, peaceful political engagement and issue-based public debate while scrutinising government policies and decisions affecting the interests of the people.

NDM CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO PRESERVE PEACE

Reiterating its position, the movement said peace, justice, accountability and inclusive development were essential to democratic progress.

It urged the state government, political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders to work together to sustain peace and ensure that the 2027 electoral process is conducted in a safe and lawful environment.

The group also appealed to young people to resist attempts by political actors to recruit them for violence, intimidation or the spread of false information.

It said political participation should be driven by informed choices, peaceful engagement and a commitment to the common good.

NDM pledged to continue advocating for the interests of Nsukka and Enugu North through constructive engagement, evidence-based commentary and calls for accountable governance and equitable development.

The movement said its objective remained the promotion of a democratic environment in which political differences are respected, public institutions are accountable and citizens’ welfare takes priority over partisan interests.