Mailantarki declares for Gombe governorship under PDP, promises development

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.