Gwamna, ex-KEDCO boss, declares for the Gombe governorship race under APC.

By Umar Ahmad, Gombe

Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, a former Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Gwamna formally submitted his Letter of Intent on Wednesday at both ward and local government levels, in line with the party’s nomination procedures.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the APC state secretariat in Gombe, the governorship aspirant said his decision was driven by a development agenda he described as a “New Vision for Continuity and sustainability.”.

He said the plan is aimed at consolidating ongoing development efforts while introducing reforms and policies that would ensure long-term economic growth and improved living standards.

“Our focus is to build on what has been achieved and introduce innovative ideas that will guarantee sustainable development and inclusive growth for all,” he said.

Mr Gwamna added that his administration, if elected, would prioritise transparent governance, economic expansion, infrastructure development, and empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.

He also appealed to party members and residents of the state to support his ambition, saying collective commitment would be required to move Gombe forward.

Responding, the APC chairman in Gombe State, Mohammed Dantata Ndus, commended the aspirant for adhering to due process and wished him success in the race.

Mr Ndus, however, stressed the need for unity among party members, urging stakeholders to work together to secure victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

Nsukka Coalition Raises Alarm Over ‘Candidate Imposition’, Vows to Defend Voters’ Will

By Jamila Muhammad

A coalition of civil society organisations under the Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM) has cautioned political actors against attempts to manipulate electoral outcomes in Enugu North Senatorial District, warning that any effort to impose candidates could undermine democratic integrity ahead of forthcoming elections.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Comrade James Ezema, the group said recent developments in the political space suggest a growing trend of behind-the-scenes arrangements aimed at predetermining candidates.

According to the coalition, the stakes extend beyond routine contests, stressing that the credibility of democracy in the Nsukka zone is on the line.

“What is at stake is not merely the outcome of upcoming elections, but the very soul of democracy in Nsukka zone,” the statement read.

The group expressed concern over what it described as a deliberate pattern of political interference, warning that elections must remain open, competitive and reflective of the people’s choices rather than decisions taken in private.

“Elections are meant to be competitive, participatory, and reflective of the people’s will, not ceremonial endorsements of decisions concluded in private rooms,” it added.

The NDM maintained that candidates who emerge through non-transparent processes would struggle with legitimacy, regardless of official results declared.

It also criticised what it termed the persistence of “political feudalism,” arguing that influence or proximity to power should not determine electoral outcomes.

“Nsukka is not a political estate to be inherited or allocated. It is a politically conscious society with a strong tradition of civic awareness,” the group stated.

The coalition further alleged that intimidation and subtle coercion are increasingly shaping the political environment, warning that such tactics could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

“Reports of intimidation and coercive pressure create a climate of fear that is fundamentally incompatible with free and fair elections,” the statement noted.

While addressing the current administration led by Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the group described any approach perceived as excluding key constituencies as politically risky, noting that voter alienation could have electoral consequences.

“Political legitimacy is earned through inclusion, performance and respect, not enforced through pressure,” it said.

The coalition also referenced past voting patterns in the zone, arguing that Nsukka voters have demonstrated independence and cannot be taken for granted in future elections.

It raised concerns about what it called a mismatch between political loyalty and development, citing persistent gaps in infrastructure, economic opportunities and social services across the district.

“Sustained political support has not translated into commensurate development. This contradiction is no longer acceptable,” the group said.

The NDM extended its warning to opposition parties, including actors within the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging them to avoid similar undemocratic practices and instead engage voters through credible ideas and grassroots mobilisation.

Looking ahead, the coalition warned that the 2027 elections could mark a turning point if current trends persist.

“2027 will not be business as usual. It will be a defining moment with far-reaching consequences,” it cautioned.

The group called on stakeholders—including political parties, security agencies and electoral bodies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, insisting that safeguarding democracy is a shared responsibility.

“The people of Enugu North Senatorial District will determine their political future—not political elites or coercive structures,” the statement concluded.

Yobe 2027: Musa-Tumsah Turns Down SDP Ticket, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC

By Ibrahim Adamu,  Damaturu

A governorship hopeful of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Kashim Musa-Tumsah, has dismissed an offer by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to fly its flag in the next election, insisting he remains committed to pursuing his ambition within the APC.

Addressing journalists in Damaturu on Friday, Musa-Tumsah said he had no intention of leaving the ruling party despite overtures from opposition groups, including a public invitation from the SDP to take up its governorship ticket.

The SDP had recently announced its readiness to hand Musa-Tumsah an automatic ticket if he agreed to defect. The party’s state chairman, Alhaji Abba Bature, had described the APC aspirant as a suitable candidate, citing his experience and integrity as qualities needed to reposition Yobe State.

But Musa-Tumsah made it clear that his political future remains tied to the APC.

“I have received approaches from several political parties, most of them privately. The SDP only chose to make theirs public,” he said. “However, I have not considered any of these offers. My focus is firmly on contesting under the APC, and I intend to see that through.”

The aspirant also expressed optimism about the internal processes of his party, saying he trusts the APC to conduct a credible and transparent primary election.

“From what I have observed, there is no indication that the primaries will not be free and fair,” he said. “The party has yet to announce the specific format, so people should ignore speculation suggesting otherwise.”

Musa-Tumsah, who arrived in Damaturu from Kano to a rousing reception by supporters, attributed his growing popularity to what he described as a strong public desire for a new direction in the state.

He pledged to provide accountable leadership and improve governance if elected.

“By the grace of Allah, better days lie ahead,” he told supporters. “We must remain united and committed as we work together to move Yobe forward.”