Politics
I Can’t Pay N70,000 Minimum Wage – Gov Inuwa Yahaya
By Our Correspondent
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who also serves as the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, has voiced concerns about the feasibility of implementing the proposed national minimum wage of N70,000.
During a meeting held at the Government House in Gombe on Tuesday, Governor Yahaya addressed labour leaders, civil society organisations, and traders associations. The discussions come amid rising threats of nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardship.
Governor Yahaya pointed out that Gombe State, one of the states with the lowest allocations, would find it particularly challenging to meet the demands of the new wage structure. He recalled that even the previously approved N30,000 minimum wage had been a struggle for many state governments to pay.
Emphasising the current economic realities, the governor stressed that the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage would be even more difficult under the prevailing circumstances. Governor Yahaya’s remarks underline the broader financial challenges faced by many states in Nigeria as they navigate economic constraints and the demands of their workforce.
Politics
Political Earthquake in Gombe: Walin Gabas, Lawal Bappah Garkuwa, Dumps APC
By Our Political Reporter
In a surprising political development, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Alhaji Lawal Bappah Ahmed Garkuwa, has formally resigned from the party.
The respected politician, who holds the traditional title of Walin Gabas of Gombe, announced his resignation in a letter dated 3rd October 2025, addressed to the APC Chairman of Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area.
In the letter, Garkuwa described the decision as a difficult but necessary step taken after deep reflection and extensive consultations with political associates and supporters.
> “This decision was not made lightly. It follows wide consultations and deep self-reflection, particularly on the need to remain true to my political values and vision,” he stated.
According to him, the move is aimed at staying true to his principles and vision for genuine service and leadership, adding that his next political move would be guided by alignment with those ideals.
> “At this time, I have chosen to remain neutral and independent while I carefully assess and seek a political party that truly aligns with my ideals and aspirations for genuine service, leadership, and development of my constituency, my dear State, and Nigeria as a whole,” Garkuwa declared.
Garkuwa’s exit from the APC has stirred conversations within political circles in Gombe, especially given his long-standing influence and grassroots reach within the party structure.
Political observers believe his departure could have ripple effects ahead of the 2027 general elections, as he is seen as one of the key mobilizers and financiers of the APC in his area.
As of press time, the Gombe State APC leadership has not issued an official response to his resignation.
The development adds to the growing list of political realignments in Gombe State’s political landscape, as politicians across party lines begin to reposition themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
Politics
Even Though We Are Friends, I Won’t Support Tinubu in 2027” – Sule Lamido Declares
By Our Political Reporter
Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has drawn a bold political line ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that despite his friendship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he will not support him for re-election.
Speaking with characteristic candor, the Bamaina-born politician stressed that his conscience and loyalty to the Nigerian masses remain paramount. “I am Tinubu’s friend, but I will not support him in 2027,” Lamido declared, sending ripples through the nation’s political circles.
Lamido, a veteran of the Northern political tradition rooted in the old NEPU philosophy, has long been recognized as a voice of the poor and a defender of democratic values. At a time when clerics, politicians, and elites rally behind the president in exchange for political favors and financial inducements, Lamido’s refusal to join the “dollar bazaar” sets him apart.
As governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015, Lamido invested heavily in education, launching a groundbreaking foreign scholarship program that gave hundreds of indigent students opportunities abroad. By the end of his tenure, nearly 800 Jigawa youths had been transformed into foreign-trained technocrats—an enduring legacy of his belief in education as a tool for liberation.
His principled stance is not new. A fierce critic of injustice, Lamido was once jailed by the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, for his refusal to compromise democratic ideals. Today, he remains consistent in his opposition to policies and practices that he believes perpetuate poverty and oppression.
Lamido’s resilience has also been tested within his own party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Despite internal strife and attempts by figures such as former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike—now serving under the APC-led government—to weaken the party, Lamido has remained loyal. He insists that PDP’s survival is a duty to honor the sacrifices that birthed Nigeria’s democracy.
By drawing a clear line between personal friendship and political conviction, Lamido has once again demonstrated rare integrity in a political climate dominated by opportunism. His message is clear: loyalty to the people comes before loyalty to power.
For millions of Nigerians battling poverty and disillusionment, Lamido’s words may resonate as a rallying call that not all leaders are willing to trade conscience for convenience.
“Ja muje,” his supporters say. “Jagoran Talaka Nijeriya” — let us go with the people’s leader.
Politics
Only Hamma Saleh Can Deliver Gombe in 2027, Radio Promoters Insist
By Our Political Reporter
The Hamma Sale Radio Promoters Forum has declared that Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh (Dokajin Nafada) remains the best choice for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The group said Hamma Saleh’s proven record of service to humanity, humility, respect for all citizens, and leadership qualities have placed him in the hearts of the people of Gombe.
In a press release sent to Daily Fact Online Magazine, the Forum’s leader, Malam Muhammad Shehu Bunu, stressed that if the PDP fields Hamma Saleh as its candidate in 2027, the party is well-positioned to secure a landslide victory across the state.
“People of Gombe believe in the PDP administration, and with Hamma Saleh as their candidate come 2027, their dreams will come true,” Bunu stated.
According to him, Hamma Saleh enjoys wide acceptance across all social groups in the state, including youths, women, students, traditional rulers, farmers, and businessmen. He added that no candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), or any other political party can match his popularity and credibility.
The Forum therefore called on the PDP leadership to ensure that Hamma Saleh is given the opportunity to fly the party’s flag in 2027. Bunu maintained that with Hamma Saleh in power, the dividends of democracy would reach every corner of Gombe’s 11 Local Government Areas and 114 wards.
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