Who Is PDP’s Gombe Governorship Candidate for 2027: Yayari or Prof. Pantami?

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has been thrown into fresh political uncertainty following the emergence of two rival governorship candidates from opposing factions of the party, intensifying an already deep-rooted leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a development that has further exposed divisions within the opposition party, one faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and backed by members of the party’s Board of Trustees presented Mohammed Ahmed Yayari as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Gombe State and handed him a Certificate of Return.

At the same time, another faction under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed formally recognised former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s governorship flag-bearer and also presented him with a Certificate of Return.

The parallel endorsements have created confusion over who will eventually secure the PDP ticket for the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State.

The faction loyal to Turaki unveiled Yayari during a ceremony where Certificates of Return were presented to candidates from different states. Party leaders used the occasion to emphasise loyalty and commitment among aspirants, warning against defections after securing party nominations.

Speaking at the event, prominent PDP chieftain  Barr. Turaki declared that candidates would be required to sign binding undertakings before their names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Nobody will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it,” he said, stressing that future candidates would be held accountable through strict agreements designed to safeguard the party’s interests.

Also speaking, the PDP National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, described the exercise as part of efforts to position the party for future electoral contests.

“We are ready to go into the elections prepared with our candidates,” he stated.

Barrister Dupe Adesida, who spoke on behalf of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, commended the party leadership for sustaining the PDP despite the challenges confronting it.

However, in a parallel political drama, another faction convened a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and inauguration ceremony in Abuja, where Prof. Pantami was officially presented as the PDP governorship candidate for Gombe State.

The gathering, presided over by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is the Faction National Chairman, drew party leaders and stakeholders from across the country. During the event, Certificates of Return were presented to candidates whose nominations the faction claimed had been recognised and published by INEC.

Pantami’s endorsement by the rival group has further complicated the battle for control of the PDP structure in Gombe State, leaving the party with two prominent figures laying claim to a single governorship ticket.

Political analysts believe the emergence of dual candidates reflects unresolved disputes within the PDP and could ultimately require intervention by the courts, the party’s national leadership, or INEC to determine which faction holds legitimate authority.

With the countdown to the 2027 elections already underway, the deepening crisis threatens to weaken the PDP’s chances of mounting a strong challenge in Gombe unless a political settlement is reached.

For now, Mohammed Ahmed Yayari and Prof. Isa Ali Pantami remain at the center of a fierce struggle that could shape the future of the PDP in Gombe State.

APC National Chairman Settles Gombe Central Contest, Raises DCP Ahmed’s Hand as Party’s Senatorial Candidate

Gombe, Nigeria – The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Gombe Central Senatorial District was effectively laid to rest on Tuesday as the National Chairman of the party publicly raised the hand of DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd), affirming him as the APC’s candidate for the senatorial seat.

The symbolic gesture, witnessed by party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders, sent a strong political message that the APC leadership had closed ranks behind the retired police officer, putting to rest speculations and internal contestations surrounding the ticket.

Addressing party faithful, APC leaders described DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd) as a tested administrator, grassroots mobilizer, and loyal party member whose emergence reflects the collective will of the party in Gombe Central.

The atmosphere at the gathering was charged with excitement as supporters hailed the endorsement, interpreting the National Chairman’s action as a decisive move to unite the party ahead of the election.

Political observers say the public endorsement has significantly strengthened Mohammed Ahmed’s position, consolidating support across the district and providing the APC with a clear direction as it prepares for the senatorial contest.

With the National Chairman’s backing now visibly demonstrated, party stakeholders called on APC members across the district to rally behind the candidate and work towards securing victory at the polls.

The endorsement is also seen as a boost to the APC’s broader strategy of maintaining its political dominance in Gombe State, where the party continues to enjoy strong grassroots support.

He maintained that the APC’s continued electoral successes were a reflection of public confidence in the party’s leadership and development agenda at both the federal and state levels.

The APC chairman is urging party members to remain united and committed to serving the people, stressing that sustainable development and good governance remain the party’s guiding principles.

APC Confident of Victory in Gombe LGAs’ Polls

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record a sweeping victory in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for June 28, 2026, as the party formally presented flags to its chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the state.

Speaking during the flag presentation ceremony in Gombe, Governor Yahaya said the APC remained the dominant political force in the state and was determined to sustain its electoral successes at all levels.

According to him, the party’s growing influence is reflected in its representation across elective positions, noting that APC currently occupies all 24 seats allocated to the state in the House of Representatives.

“We are determined to repeat our electoral successes and retain all elective positions under the APC platform. Our strength lies in our unity, commitment and the confidence the people have in our leadership,” the governor said.

He stressed that the party’s objective was to maintain control of all local government councils and legislative seats, urging party members to remain focused and united ahead of the polls.

Governor Yahaya highlighted the role of the state’s 11 local government areas and 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in deepening grassroots governance, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards bringing government closer to the people.

He also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting critical infrastructure projects in the state, particularly the ongoing superhighway project aimed at improving connectivity across the North-East.

The governor noted that the project, recently inspected by Minister of Works David Umahi, would boost trade, create economic opportunities and improve the welfare of citizens across the region.

“We appreciate President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Gombe State and the North-East. These projects are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians,” he stated.

Yahaya further reaffirmed his support for the administration’s development agenda, saying its policies were already yielding visible results across various sectors.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, lauded Governor Yahaya for what he described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education and social development.

The APC chairman said his visit to various parts of Gombe State gave him the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of government projects on residents.

“I visited communities, institutions, universities, road projects and cultural centres. What I saw was democracy working for the people. The projects are touching lives and improving livelihoods across the state,” he said.

Professor Nentawe noted that market women, traders, farmers and other residents expressed confidence in the APC government, attributing the party’s popularity to its focus on development and service delivery.

He also praised President Tinubu for ongoing and planned federal infrastructure projects across Northern Nigeria, including major road corridors linking Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Maiduguri.

According to him, the projects would strengthen regional integration, facilitate commerce and significantly reduce travel time across the region.

The APC National Chairman further highlighted plans for a railway network connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri through key northern cities, as well as gas infrastructure projects designed to stimulate industrial growth and improve energy access.

He urged Governor Yahaya and APC stakeholders to continue mobilising support for the party while remaining committed to delivering democratic dividends to the people.

Professor Nentawe also celebrated the APC’s recent electoral victories, insisting that the party’s strength derives from its close connection with ordinary Nigerians.

“APC remains firmly rooted among the people. Our success is based on good governance, development and our commitment to improving the lives of citizens,” he said.

The flag presentation ceremony attracted party leaders, elected officials, traditional rulers and supporters from across the state, as APC intensified preparations for the June 28 local government elections.