Gombe 2027: Dr Yuguda Joins Governorship Race, Promises to Deepen Ongoing Reforms

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Accountant-General of Gombe State, Dr Aminu Yuguda, has officially entered the 2027 governorship contest, pledging to sustain and strengthen the development trajectory established by the current administration.

Yuguda unveiled his ambition on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Gombe, where party leaders and a large number of supporters gathered to welcome him.

Speaking shortly after the declaration, the frontline aspirant appreciated the show of solidarity, describing the turnout as a reflection of growing support across different segments of society.

“I sincerely appreciate everyone who came out to identify with this project, from the youth to the elders. Your presence here today means a lot,” he said.

The seasoned public finance expert noted that his background in the civil service has shaped his approach to governance, stressing that his administration would prioritise continuity and institutional strengthening if elected.

“I see myself first as a civil servant, and that mindset will guide my leadership. My focus will be on consolidating what has already been achieved and ensuring that governance in Gombe continues on a steady path of progress,” Yuguda stated.

He explained that his decision to contest was driven by the need to build on existing gains, adding that the state had already laid a solid foundation for growth which must not be disrupted.

According to him, his immediate goal is to secure the backing of his party as he positions himself for the governorship race.

“I am here to formally seek the support of our great party because I have the ambition to serve as governor. The current administration has set a commendable pace, and our intention is to improve on that record,” he added.

Responding, the Gombe State Chairman of the APC, Mohammed Dantata, assured Yuguda and other aspirants of a transparent and fair primary process.

Dantata also called on all contenders to adhere strictly to party rules and maintain decorum in their campaigns, emphasising unity as a key factor for electoral success.

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From Consumers to Creators: Gombe Trains 100 Youths in AI, Data Analytics

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State has intensified its push into Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy with the launch of a high-impact training programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics targeting 100 young people across the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GOSIDEC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge digital skills needed to compete in today’s global workforce.

Flagging off the programme, GOSIDEC Director-General, Dr. Al-Amin Barambu, described the training as a strategic investment in human capital aimed at repositioning the state from a technology consumer to a producer of innovative, data-driven solutions.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the broader vision of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration to diversify the state’s economy through innovation, digital transformation and youth empowerment.

“Gombe is deliberately charting a new course. We are moving beyond merely consuming technology to building the capacity of our youths to create solutions driven by data and innovation,” Barambu said.

He challenged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the knowledge and tools provided should translate into long-term impact.

“The laptops you have received are not just devices—they are work tools. Use them to develop ideas, build startups and solve real problems within your communities. This programme is only the beginning,” he added.

As part of the support package, NCDMB provided participants with high-performance laptops, learning materials and stipends to ensure full participation throughout the training.

The programme reflects a growing partnership between government institutions aimed at nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy youths, positioning Gombe as an emerging hub for digital innovation in northern Nigeria.

Observers say the initiative could play a significant role in reducing unemployment, boosting entrepreneurship and aligning the state with global trends in technology and knowledge-driven economies.

Defections Shake Gombe Politics as Senator Yaro Dumps PDP for APC

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Gombe State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has welcomed Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro into the ruling party, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development, which unfolded late on Thursday, marks another significant shift in the political landscape of the state, as the APC continues to draw key figures from opposition ranks.

Senator Yaro, who represents Gombe South Senatorial District, is the latest high-profile politician to align with the APC under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, a move widely seen as strengthening the party’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His defection comes on the heels of earlier political realignments facilitated by the governor, including the movement of three federal lawmakers into the APC. Among them are the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa JC; Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency; and Hon. Inuwa Garba of Yamaltu/Deba.

With the growing list of defections, political observers say the APC is steadily tightening its hold on Gombe’s political space, raising the stakes for opposition parties as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.

The governor received Senator Yaro in the company of prominent party figures, including the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and the APC Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, signaling a unified front within the party.

Analysts note that the wave of defections could reshape political alignments in the state, with implications for both party structures and electoral strategies in the run-up to 2027.