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.

APC Chieftain Backs Gwamna, Says Inuwa’s Performance Gives Party Edge in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Engr. Aliyu Mohammed, has declared support for Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the party’s 2027 gubernatorial candidate in the state.

Engr. Mohammed, popularly known as Kombot, who founded the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation, made the declaration while addressing his supporters Tuesday in Gombe.

He said his decision to support Dr Gwamna followed extensive consultations with members of his foundation and community leaders, as well as his confidence in the candidate’s leadership qualities and vision for the state.

He explained that after carefully assessing the political landscape and Dr Gwamna’s agenda, he became convinced that supporting the APC candidate was the best path for the continued development of the state.

According to him, the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have made the APC’s campaign much easier.

“What Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has done for Gombe State is visible to everyone. Even those who are not from Gombe can see the transformation. Because of these achievements, we believe the APC is in a forceful position going into the election,” he said.

Kombat expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious at the polls, describing the party’s chances as “very high”.

He also urged party members and supporters to remain united and work together to ensure the success of the APC in the forthcoming elections.

“I want to call on all APC members to come together, support our candidate, and work for the progress of our party and the continued development of Gombe State,” he added.

Also speaking, Dr Gwamna commended Engr. Kombat, whom he described as the driving force behind the gathering, is also a passionate advocate for youth development.

“We appreciate his doggedness in bringing everyone together and for making the youth of our state his priority. Whoever abandons the youth abandons the future of that society. In Kombat, we have found someone who believes in the future of Gombe, and we are grateful for his initiative,” he said.

The APC candidate urged members of the party to remain united and work tirelessly to secure victory for the APC at all levels in the 2027 general elections.

“I want to use this opportunity to ask for your support to ensure that we deliver the APC from top to bottom. By the grace of Allah, we will deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our senators, members of the House of Representatives, and members of the State House of Assembly, and by the will of Allah, we shall also secure victory in the governorship election,” Gwamna added.

He also expressed confidence in Engr Mohammed’s leadership, describing him as a key mobiliser for the party’s campaign.

“From today, Engr Aliyu Kombat is the commander of this struggle. I have confidence in his ability to mobilise our people and deliver victory for the APC. Insha Allah, he will succeed,” Gwamna added.

Youth Apathy Threatens Democracy, SCDDD Member-Warns

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A member of the Council of the Wise Savannah Center for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), Ummu Kalthum Muhammad Rabiu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political apathy and actively participate in the country’s democratic process, warning that staying away from elections allows others to determine their future.

In a civic engagement message addressed to young Nigerians, Rabiu acknowledged the growing frustration among many youths, particularly those who believe their votes do not matter or that politics has little relevance to their lives.

She, however, argued that choosing not to participate in elections carries significant consequences.

“I hear many of you say, ‘My vote won’t count,’ or ‘Politics is not for me.’ I understand the frustration. But silence is also a choice, and apathy is a vote that allows someone else to decide your future,” she said.

According to her, decisions affecting education, employment opportunities, security, internet access and national development are ultimately shaped by citizens through their participation in the democratic process.

She stressed that governance is not determined solely by leaders in Abuja but also by the willingness of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and hold public officeholders accountable.

Rabiu said the SCDDD Council of the Wise views civic participation as an essential tool for promoting peace, strengthening democratic institutions and fostering national development.

She encouraged eligible Nigerians to register as voters, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in elections, question political candidates on their plans and continue to demand accountability from elected officials after polls.

“Our civic responsibility is peacebuilding. Register to vote, collect your Permanent Voter Card, participate on election day, ask candidates the tough questions, and continue to hold elected leaders accountable after the elections,” she said.

She further called on young people to see themselves as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic future, insisting that meaningful national progress depends on active citizen participation.

“Nigeria’s future will not build itself. We must build it together. Don’t sit this one out. Your vote is your voice. Use it,” she added.

Rabiu’s message comes amid ongoing calls by civil society organisations for increased youth participation in governance and electoral processes ahead of future elections, as concerns persist over voter apathy and declining civic engagement among young Nigerians.