Bala Magaji’s Defection Deals Blow to Gombe PDP

Bala Magaji’s Defection Deals Blow to Gombe PDP

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has suffered a significant setback following the resignation of its Elders Committee Chairman and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bala Muhammad Magaji, PEN, who has concluded plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Alh. Magaji, the traditional title holder of Magajin Garin Gombe, met Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe, on Wednesday alongside the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, where the modalities for his formal entry into the ruling party were finalised.

The former SSG said his decision followed what he described as Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s inclusive leadership, prudent governance, and visible development across the state.

According to him, the governor’s performance in office convinced him that the APC offers a better platform to contribute to the state’s continued progress.

His resignation was communicated in a letter dated 16 July 2026 and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Dawaki Ward, Gombe Local Government Area.

In the letter, Alh.  Magaji thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve the party in different capacities since 2003 but said recent developments within its ranks no longer reflected his convictions and political aspirations.

Invoking the saying, “Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it,” he announced his immediate resignation from both the PDP and his position as Chairman of the party’s Elders Committee.

Alh. Magaji is regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Gombe, having served as Secretary to the State Government and remained a key voice within the PDP for over two decades.

His departure is expected to alter the political equation in the state as parties intensify consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

For the APC, the defection represents another high-profile addition to its ranks, while the PDP faces the challenge of filling the vacuum created by the exit of one of its most senior leaders.

As of the time this report was filed, the Gombe State chapter of the PDP had yet to issue an official response to Alh. Magaji’s resignation.