Rising Tides in Gombe: Defections, Endorsements and the Emerging Political Momentum Behind Jamil Gwamna

Rising Tides in Gombe: Defections, Endorsements and the Emerging Political Momentum Behind Jamil Gwamna

By Adamu Saleh

As the 2027 governorship elections gradually take shape in the country. In Gombe State, the political atmosphere is witnessing a significant realignment marked by high-profile defections and strategic endorsements. At the centre of this shifting landscape is Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose growing influence appears to be redefining the contours of the race.

In what many observers described as a major political boost, a coalition of stakeholders from key opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP), recently defected to the APC. The group, comprising notable figures such as Professor Sulaiman Dankande, Hon. Nura Abba, Hon. Abdullah Amtai, Hon. Dedan Mela, and Hon. Murtala Usman Dukku, formally declared their support for Dr Gwamna during a visit to him in Gombe recently.

Their decision, according to a joint statement, was driven by a shared conviction in Gwamna’s leadership qualities, integrity, and vision for the future of the state. “Our decision to join the APC is informed by the need to support a leader who has the capacity, integrity, and clear direction for the future of Gombe State,” the group stated, pledging total commitment to his victory in 2027.

Dr Gwamna, in his response, described the move as a step in the right direction, emphasising the importance of unity and collective effort in advancing the development of Gombe State and its people. He assured the defectors of inclusivity and a shared commitment to good governance and urged them to ensure the success of the party at all levels.

This wave of political realignment was further reinforced by a remarkable show of grassroots support from over 1,500 Gombe indigenes currently working at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). In a well-attended solidarity event, the workers unanimously endorsed Dr. Gwamna’s candidacy, citing his role in facilitating employment opportunities for many of them during his tenure at the company.

The endorsement carries both symbolic and practical significance. For many of the beneficiaries, Gwamna’s intervention was not merely an employment opportunity but a transformative moment that reshaped their economic realities and uplifted their families. Their collective voice, therefore, represents not just political support but also a deep sense of gratitude and trust in his leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the KEDCO staff described Dr Gwamna as “a man of vision, compassion, and proven capacity”, affirming their readiness to mobilise support across their networks ahead of the 2027 elections. They also expressed confidence in his ability to sustain and build upon the developmental strides of the current administration, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, and human capital development.

The event also featured the participation of KEDCO’s Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, who joined virtually from Saudi Arabia, where he is performing the Hajj. His virtual presence added further weight to the endorsement, reflecting a broad-based alignment of support within professional and administrative circles.

An emotional Dr. Gwamna expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming support, noting that the success stories of the beneficiaries stand as a testament to the power of investing in people. He reiterated his commitment to policies that prioritise job creation, youth empowerment, economic growth of the state and sustainable development.

Political analysts view these developments as a strong indication of Gwamna’s rising profile and the consolidation of a formidable support base ahead of the elections. The convergence of elite defections and grassroots endorsements suggests a campaign strategy that is both top-down and bottom-up, appealing to political actors and ordinary citizens alike.

As Gombe State moves closer to the 2027 governorship contest, the unfolding dynamics signal a potentially transformative election cycle. Whether this growing momentum will translate into electoral victory remains to be seen, but one thing is increasingly clear: Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna has become a central figure in the state’s evolving political narrative.

In a political environment often defined by uncertainty, his campaign appears to be gaining clarity, structure, and widespread appeal, factors that could prove decisive in the months ahead.

Saleh can be reached through bappandada1@gmail.com