APC Sweeps Gombe Council Polls as GOSIEC Declares Winners Across 11 LGAs

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a clean sweep in the 2026 Gombe State Local Government elections after the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC) declared the party winner of all 11 chairmanship seats and councillorship positions across the state’s 11 Local Government Areas and 11 Local Council Development Areas.

Announcing the official results on Saturday at the commission’s headquarters in Gombe, the Chairman of GOSIEC, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Talatse, said the APC candidates emerged victorious after polling the highest number of valid votes in the elections.

“Having received, collated and verified the results submitted by our Returning Officers, and in accordance with the powers conferred on the Commission, I hereby declare the candidates of the All Progressives Congress duly elected as Chairmen of the 11 Local Government Councils of Gombe State.

The GOSIEC chairman described the election as peaceful and orderly, commending voters, political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a smooth exercise.

“The peaceful conduct of the election demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to the democratic process. We appreciate the maturity displayed by the electorate and the support provided by security agencies and election personnel,” he said.

Talatse noted that the successful conclusion of the polls underscored the commission’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, credible and consistent with the laws establishing the electoral body.

“The Commission remains committed to discharging its constitutional responsibilities with fairness, transparency and integrity,” he added.

The declaration confirms the APC’s continued dominance in Gombe State’s grassroots political landscape, with the party retaining control of all 11 local government councils following the conclusion of the 2026 local government elections.

Who Is PDP’s Gombe Governorship Candidate for 2027: Yayari or Prof. Pantami?

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has been thrown into fresh political uncertainty following the emergence of two rival governorship candidates from opposing factions of the party, intensifying an already deep-rooted leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a development that has further exposed divisions within the opposition party, one faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and backed by members of the party’s Board of Trustees presented Mohammed Ahmed Yayari as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Gombe State and handed him a Certificate of Return.

At the same time, another faction under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed formally recognised former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s governorship flag-bearer and also presented him with a Certificate of Return.

The parallel endorsements have created confusion over who will eventually secure the PDP ticket for the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State.

The faction loyal to Turaki unveiled Yayari during a ceremony where Certificates of Return were presented to candidates from different states. Party leaders used the occasion to emphasise loyalty and commitment among aspirants, warning against defections after securing party nominations.

Speaking at the event, prominent PDP chieftain  Barr. Turaki declared that candidates would be required to sign binding undertakings before their names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Nobody will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it,” he said, stressing that future candidates would be held accountable through strict agreements designed to safeguard the party’s interests.

Also speaking, the PDP National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, described the exercise as part of efforts to position the party for future electoral contests.

“We are ready to go into the elections prepared with our candidates,” he stated.

Barrister Dupe Adesida, who spoke on behalf of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, commended the party leadership for sustaining the PDP despite the challenges confronting it.

However, in a parallel political drama, another faction convened a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and inauguration ceremony in Abuja, where Prof. Pantami was officially presented as the PDP governorship candidate for Gombe State.

The gathering, presided over by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is the Faction National Chairman, drew party leaders and stakeholders from across the country. During the event, Certificates of Return were presented to candidates whose nominations the faction claimed had been recognised and published by INEC.

Pantami’s endorsement by the rival group has further complicated the battle for control of the PDP structure in Gombe State, leaving the party with two prominent figures laying claim to a single governorship ticket.

Political analysts believe the emergence of dual candidates reflects unresolved disputes within the PDP and could ultimately require intervention by the courts, the party’s national leadership, or INEC to determine which faction holds legitimate authority.

With the countdown to the 2027 elections already underway, the deepening crisis threatens to weaken the PDP’s chances of mounting a strong challenge in Gombe unless a political settlement is reached.

For now, Mohammed Ahmed Yayari and Prof. Isa Ali Pantami remain at the center of a fierce struggle that could shape the future of the PDP in Gombe State.

APC National Chairman Settles Gombe Central Contest, Raises DCP Ahmed’s Hand as Party’s Senatorial Candidate

Gombe, Nigeria – The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Gombe Central Senatorial District was effectively laid to rest on Tuesday as the National Chairman of the party publicly raised the hand of DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd), affirming him as the APC’s candidate for the senatorial seat.

The symbolic gesture, witnessed by party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders, sent a strong political message that the APC leadership had closed ranks behind the retired police officer, putting to rest speculations and internal contestations surrounding the ticket.

Addressing party faithful, APC leaders described DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd) as a tested administrator, grassroots mobilizer, and loyal party member whose emergence reflects the collective will of the party in Gombe Central.

The atmosphere at the gathering was charged with excitement as supporters hailed the endorsement, interpreting the National Chairman’s action as a decisive move to unite the party ahead of the election.

Political observers say the public endorsement has significantly strengthened Mohammed Ahmed’s position, consolidating support across the district and providing the APC with a clear direction as it prepares for the senatorial contest.

With the National Chairman’s backing now visibly demonstrated, party stakeholders called on APC members across the district to rally behind the candidate and work towards securing victory at the polls.

The endorsement is also seen as a boost to the APC’s broader strategy of maintaining its political dominance in Gombe State, where the party continues to enjoy strong grassroots support.

He maintained that the APC’s continued electoral successes were a reflection of public confidence in the party’s leadership and development agenda at both the federal and state levels.

The APC chairman is urging party members to remain united and committed to serving the people, stressing that sustainable development and good governance remain the party’s guiding principles.