Mailantarki declares for Gombe governorship under PDP, promises development

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A former member of the House of Representatives, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The declaration was made on Monday at the party’s state secretariat, where his representatives submitted a formal notice of his ambition to the party leadership.

Mr Mailantarki, who represented Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency after his election in 2011, was the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 election, where he finished third.

Speaking on his behalf, Adamu Bappa said the aspirant has a record of performance, particularly in Gombe North, where he served as a federal lawmaker.

“He is not new in Gombe politics. People are aware of his contributions when he served in the National Assembly. We are here to formally notify the party of his intention to contest,” Mr Bappa said.

He added that Mr Mailantarki would prioritise development if given the party’s ticket and subsequently elected.

The PDP state leadership, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Mohammed Adamu, acknowledged receipt of the declaration and urged the aspirant and his supporters to remain law-abiding.

Mr Adamu said the party had so far received three expressions of interest from governorship aspirants and stressed the need for unity among members ahead of the election.

“We want peace and unity among our aspirants because that is what is needed to defeat our opponents,” he said.

He assured that the party would conduct a credible primary to select its candidate.

“In no distant time, our candidate will emerge through a free and fair primary,” he added.

Mr Mailantarki’s declaration signals early political activity in Gombe State as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

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.