Gombe 2027: Monica Yahaya Breaks Barriers as First Female PDP Governorship Aspirant Enters Race

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A 33-year-old community development advocate, Monica Yahaya, has declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, emerging as the first female aspirant to officially join the race for the state’s top political office.

Yahaya announced her ambition on Tuesday after obtaining her nomination form at the PDP secretariat in Gombe, saying her decision was informed by years of grassroots engagement, particularly with rural women and vulnerable communities.

“I’m into community development. I work with rural women. That is how I picked my interest to contest for this position,” she said.

She said her governorship ambition is driven by what she described as persistent gaps in political representation, especially for women and young people in governance.

“I see a gap that we need to close. How we can close it is by representing women positively,” she said.

Yahaya argued that women have the capacity to provide effective leadership if given political opportunity, insisting that her candidacy reflects a growing demand for inclusive governance in Gombe State.

“If opportunity is given, Gombe people will see a difference,” she said. “When you give a chance to a woman to be in this position, you will see the wonders that she will perform.”

She also decried the marginalisation of women in politics despite their central role in family and community development.

“We are all raised by women, right? And we have seen how they can be able to do it,” she said.

The PDP aspirant also placed youth empowerment at the centre of her campaign, arguing that engaging young people productively would help reduce social challenges in the state.

“If they are busy, they will be productive,” she said.

On her chances in the race, Yahaya expressed optimism, saying she was encouraged by what she described as growing support from women groups and sections of the male electorate demanding change.

“Even the men are shouting for change. They need women in leadership positions. Everybody is tired,” she said.

She dismissed concerns about internal divisions within the PDP, expressing confidence that the party would resolve its challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are very confident. Very soon everything is going to be settled,” she said.

Yahaya disclosed that her ambition is receiving backing from women’s groups, including the Gombe Women’s Agenda, noting that the party had introduced waivers for female aspirants on nomination fees.

She also pledged to prioritise basic infrastructure, particularly water supply, which she described as one of the major challenges facing residents of the state.

“We all know that we have problems of water in Gombe State… I’m going to make water very available,” she said.

Yahaya, who said she has spent over 20 years in civil society and rural advocacy work, said her experience has equipped her for public office and deepened her understanding of community needs across Gombe State.

 Fusion 774 Endorses Mohammed Buratai for Borno Assembly Seat

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A support group within the All Progressives Congress, Fusion 774, has endorsed Capt. Mohammed Tukur Buratai for the Borno State House of Assembly seat representing Biu Constituency ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

The group announced its endorsement in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its National Coordinator Sadiq Jikta.

Fusion 774 described Mr Buratai’s decision to contest the seat as a move that reflects commitment to public service and democratic participation.

The group said the former military officer possesses the leadership qualities and experience needed to contribute to lawmaking and development in Borno State.

“Capt. Mohammed Tukur Buratai represents the kind of young and patriotic Nigerian our democracy requires at this critical moment,” the statement said.

“He served the nation with honour in the aviation sector, and his decision to seek elective office demonstrates his readiness to contribute to governance and community development.”

According to the group, the state needs legislators who can address issues related to youth empowerment, education, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.

Fusion 774 expressed confidence that Mr Buratai would bring fresh ideas and a strong understanding of security and governance issues to the state assembly if elected.

The group also noted that the retired military officer’s aspiration continues a legacy of public service associated with his father, Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

“His father served the country in the military, and now Capt. Mohammed Tukur Buratai is stepping forward to serve through democratic representation,” the statement added.

Fusion 774 called on residents of the Biu Constituency, party stakeholders and supporters of the APC to support the aspiration.

The group further pledged to mobilise grassroots support and encourage peaceful, issue-based campaigns throughout the election period.

It also urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in politics and leadership, stressing the need for competent and committed citizens to shape the country’s future.

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.