PDP Endorses Ayala as Sole Candidate for Balanga-Billiri Reps’ Seat

PDP Endorses Ayala as Sole Candidate for Balanga-Billiri Reps’ Seat

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Balanga-Billiri Federal Constituency of Gombe State has endorsed Barrister Rambi Ibrahim Ayala as its sole candidate for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was formalised during an affirmation meeting held at the party’s office in Billiri on Saturday, where party leaders and supporters gathered to ratify his candidature.

Speaking at the event, the PDP chairman in Billiri Local Government Area, Hon. Lewi Lasare, who served as returning officer for the exercise, said Mr Ayala was the only aspirant who purchased the party’s nomination form for the contest.

“We are here to affirm the only person who bought the nomination form for the Balanga-Billiri federal constituency race under the PDP. The only aspirant known to us, as communicated by the state office, is Rambi Ayala,” he said.

The PDP chairman in Balanga LGA, Alhaji Ali Bwangal, described Mr Ayala as a committed and resilient politician, noting that contesting under an opposition platform required determination and sacrifice.

Also speaking, the party’s deputy publicity secretary in the state, Haruna Hussaini Lankangle, said Mr Ayala automatically emerged as the PDP flagbearer for the constituency by virtue of being the sole aspirant.

At the event, party leaders raised Mr Ayala’s hands before supporters in a symbolic presentation of his endorsement as the party’s consensus candidate.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ayala thanked party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him and called for unity within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged members to forgive past grievances and work together to strengthen the party in the constituency.

The PDP candidate also pledged to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election, describing the task ahead as a collective responsibility for party members.

Mr. Ayala further declared support for the senator representing Gombe South, Anthony Siyako Yaro, by promising to mobilise support across the zone for his re-election bid.

“We have no reason not to support our incumbent senator. We will mobilise support across every part of Gombe South to ensure his return to the National Assembly,” he said.

He also commended the PDP leadership for maintaining what he described as fairness and balance in zoning political offices within the constituency.

According to him, after Balanga held the House of Representatives seat for about 20 years, zoning the position to Billiri reflected the party’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

Mr Ayala also paid tribute to former Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, describing him as a strong supporter of the constituency and the Gombe South zone.

The event attracted party stakeholders, loyalists and supporters from across the Balanga and Billiri local government areas.