Gombe 2027: Former Balanga Deputy Chairman Declares Assembly Bid on APC Platform

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

Hon. Ali Philip Jisimah, a former Deputy Chairman of the Balanga Local Government Area in Gombe State, has declared his intention to contest for the Balanga South (Mona Ward) seat in the State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Jisimah, who also served as a personal assistant and later as a special assistant on protocol in the office of the deputy governor, said his decision to join the race was informed by his experience in public service and desire to strengthen representation at the grassroots level.

Speaking during an interaction with party supporters in Balanga South, he said his ambition is centred around effective legislation and attracting development to underserved communities.

“I have had the privilege of serving at the local government level and working closely within the executive arm. This has given me insight into governance and the gaps that need to be addressed, such as the need for better resource allocation and increased community engagement in decision-making processes.

The APC aspirant added that he would prioritise youth empowerment, infrastructure development and improved access to social services if elected.

Political observers in the area say his background in local administration and proximity to government operations may influence his campaign narrative, particularly among party loyalists in the constituency.

His declaration comes as political activities begin to gather pace ahead of the next electoral cycle, with parties expected to intensify consultations and internal processes in the coming months.

ADC Youth Protest in Gombe, Gives INEC 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Leadership Dispute

By Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

The Gombe state Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Amadu Dauda Jadda, has issued a strong-worded demand to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the immediate restoration of what he described as the “lawful leadership” of the party and accusing the electoral body of undermining democratic principles.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of INEC, the youth leader who led other group on a peaceful protest to Gombe INEC office, expressed “deep concern” over recent decisions relating to the leadership structure of the ADC, warning that such actions risk eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The group referenced a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which it said was conducted under regulatory supervision and resulted in the emergence of a leadership team headed by Senator David Mark. According to the letter, INEC initially acknowledged and officially recognized the leadership on September 9, 2025, without objections or legal contention at the time.

However, the youth wing alleged a subsequent reversal by the Commission, which it claims was influenced by correspondence and pending judicial processes. It described the development as inconsistent with INEC’s earlier position and detrimental to institutional credibility.

The statement further argued that INEC lacks constitutional authority to interpret court orders, insisting that such powers rest exclusively with the judiciary. It warned that reliance on interlocutory motions or ex parte applications, in the absence of final judicial determination, could set a “dangerous precedent” in electoral administration.

Consequently, the group issued a 72-hour ultimatum, demanding the restoration of the Senator David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official records and portal and a public apology to Nigerians over alleged breaches of constitutional order.

The group also demanded the immediate cessation of reliance on non-final court processes in party matters as well as strict adherence to neutrality in political party disputes

The group warned that failure to comply could trigger coordinated civic action across the country, including what it described as peaceful occupation of INEC offices nationwide. It maintained that such actions would be lawful expressions of civic responsibility rather than acts of disruption.

The development adds a new layer of tension to ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, raising fresh concerns over party legitimacy, regulatory interpretation, and the broader credibility of electoral oversight mechanisms in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Kebbi Youth Group Rebuts ADC’s Allegation of Opposition Crackdown

By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi

A socio-political organisation, Kebbi Progressives Youth, has rejected claims by the Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing the state government of targeting opposition members.

The ADC had, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, alleged that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris was deploying the executive arm, judiciary, and other state institutions to intimidate and silence dissenting voices within the opposition.

According to the party, some of its officials, including the state chairman, were arrested following criticisms of the government on social media. It further claimed that the arrests were carried out on the orders of a magistrate court, with some individuals reportedly held in detention for more than two months.

However, in a swift response, Kebbi Progressives Youth dismissed the accusations as baseless and misleading. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hamisu Sani, the group insisted that the governor was not involved in the legal actions taken against the individuals mentioned.

Sani emphasised that law enforcement agencies and the courts operate within their constitutional mandates, noting that no individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation.

“Opposition status does not confer immunity from legal accountability, just as being part of the ruling party does not place anyone beyond the reach of the law,” he said.

He urged those affected to pursue appropriate legal channels or seek amicable resolutions with complainants, rather than attributing their situation to political persecution.

Describing Governor Idris as a committed democrat, Sani maintained that there was no credible evidence to support claims of harassment against opposition members.

The group also praised the governor’s ongoing development initiatives and social intervention programmes, cautioning political actors against actions that could divert attention from governance.