Goje Not Leaving APC, Aide Dismisses Defection Rumour as ‘Cheap Political Mischief’

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Fresh speculation over the political future of former Gombe State Governor and serving Senator, Danjuma Goje, has been dismissed as false, with his media aide insisting that the lawmaker remains firmly rooted in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clarification followed reports making the rounds on social media alleging that Senator Goje was preparing to dump the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

But in a press statement made available to journalists, Goje’s Special Assistant, Ahmed Isa Kashere, described the report as “baseless disinformation” designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.

Kashere said there was no truth in the claim, stressing that the former governor had neither resigned from the ruling party nor shown any sign of abandoning it.

According to him, Senator Goje’s recent participation at the APC National Convention and his continued involvement in party affairs at the national level clearly show his loyalty and commitment to the party.

“Senator Goje has not quit the APC, nor does he intend to. This disinformation is nothing but mischief from those who seek to undermine his reputation and contributions to the party,” Kashere said.

He maintained that those behind the rumour were political detractors bent on causing confusion around the senator’s political standing and influence in Gombe State and beyond.

The aide also frowned at what he described as the growing use of “mushroom media platforms” to spread unverified claims, especially as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

Kashere noted that Senator Goje, like many prominent politicians, has repeatedly been a target of false narratives and politically motivated speculation, particularly during periods of heightened political calculations.

“It is not surprising that mischievous elements have again resorted to using questionable media outlets to circulate such falsehood. This is not the first time such tactics are being used, not only against Senator Goje, but against several politicians as elections draw closer,” he added.

The statement comes at a time when political alignments and defections are beginning to shape conversations ahead of the 2027 polls, with major political actors across the country facing growing scrutiny over their future ambitions and party loyalties.

However, Goje’s camp insists there is no ambiguity about where he stands, saying the senator remains a committed APC stakeholder and a loyal party man.

Alkali Resigns as Transport Minister, Eyes Governorship Bid

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, has resigned from office following the presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to step down ahead of the next elections.

His resignation was contained in a press statement signed by Umar Alkali Jibril, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Minister of Transportation, and made available to journalists in Gombe.

Alkali is said to be leaving office to pursue his governorship ambition in the forthcoming elections, a move that is already expected to shape the political atmosphere in his home state.

In his resignation letter, the minister appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country, while reflecting on what he described as key milestones achieved in the transportation sector during his time in office.

“I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege to serve our great nation. As I step down, I do so with a sense of fulfilment over the progress recorded in the transportation sector and with renewed determination to continue serving the people in a greater capacity,” Alkali said.

The statement added that the president has accepted the resignation and commended the minister for his commitment and contributions to national service.

Alkali’s resignation now clears the path for his expected entry into the governorship race, setting the stage for what could become a major political contest in the state.

2027: Pressure Mounts to Zone Gombe Central Senate Seat to Yamaltu/Deba

…Nyimatli Development Association says equity and political balance demand a return to rotational representation

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Nyimatli Development Association (NDA) has renewed calls for the zoning of the Gombe Central senatorial seat to the Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made its position known during a press briefing in Gombe, where its secretary, Emmanuel Usman, spoke on behalf of the association’s executive members and stakeholders from the area.

The association said the demand was anchored on fairness, justice and the need to preserve political balance within Gombe Central Senatorial District, which is made up of Akko and Yamaltu/Deba local government areas.

Mr Usman said the call was not driven by personal ambition or hostility toward any individual but by what the group described as a legitimate demand for inclusiveness and equal political opportunity.

According to him, the district has historically been shared by the two local government areas, and political representation should reflect that reality.

He noted that although the senatorial seat had at some point moved between the two councils, the arrangement was disrupted over the years, leaving Yamaltu/Deba with what he described as a prolonged sense of exclusion.

The association argued that after years of dominance by one side of the district, it had become necessary to restore what it called a fair and acceptable power-sharing formula.

“Our demand is based on equity and justice. Gombe Central belongs to both Akko and Yamaltu/Deba, and it is only fair that the two should have equal opportunity to occupy the Senate seat,” Mr Usman said.

He said the agitation should not be mistaken for a protest against the performance of the current occupant of the seat, insisting that the issue was about political fairness rather than personality.

According to him, Yamaltu/Deba has competent and experienced individuals who are capable of providing quality representation at the National Assembly if given the opportunity.

“This is not about questioning anybody’s capacity or performance. It is about fairness and giving every part of the district a sense of belonging in the political process,” he said.

The group also called on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to use his influence as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State to ensure justice and inclusiveness in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

Mr Usman said the governor had the political weight and leadership standing to bring together stakeholders from Akko and Yamaltu/Deba and guide them toward a consensus that would preserve unity within the party and the district.

He said such a move would not only reduce tension but also strengthen internal cohesion and public trust in the political process.

“We believe the governor has always shown leadership in difficult moments. This is another opportunity for him to promote justice, fairness and peaceful political understanding among all sides,” he said.

The association maintained that zoning the seat to Yamaltu/Deba would help correct what it sees as a long-standing imbalance while also promoting harmony and political stability in Gombe Central.

It warned that failure to address the issue could deepen feelings of marginalisation and weaken confidence in the principle of equal representation.

The group therefore urged the APC and other political stakeholders in the state to place equity above narrow political calculations and ensure that the next senatorial contest reflects the collective interest of all communities in the district.

For the NDA, the 2027 election presents what it described as a critical opportunity to rebuild trust and reaffirm the principle that no section of Gombe Central should be shut out of representation.