By Our Political Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the conduct of the bye-election into the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.

The election follows the death of the member who previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, which created a vacancy that requires the conduct of a bye-election in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

In a timetable and schedule of activities released by the Commission, INEC said the formal Notice of Election would be published on Thursday, August 20, 2026, marking the commencement of the electoral process.

Political parties seeking to participate in the election are expected to conduct their primaries between August 21 and 25, 2026, during which they will select their candidates for the contest.

The Commission will publish the list of nominated candidates on September 8, while political campaigns are expected to commence the following day, September 9, and end on September 17, two days before the election.

The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency comprises three Local Government Areas and has 31 Registration Areas and 903 Polling Units, making the bye-election a significant political contest in the state.

INEC urged all political parties, aspirants and other stakeholders to strictly comply with the timetable and schedule of activities, stressing that all electoral activities must be conducted within the provisions of the law.

The Commission also assured voters and stakeholders in the constituency that it would provide a level playing field for all participating political parties and candidates.

According to INEC, its objective is to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive bye-election that allows eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right peacefully.

The Commission therefore called on eligible voters across Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas to actively participate in the electoral process and discharge their civic responsibilities responsibly.

With the election date now fixed, political parties are expected to intensify preparations, while aspirants and their supporters are set to begin the race for the vacant federal constituency seat.

The bye-election is expected to attract considerable political attention in Gombe State as parties position themselves to secure the seat in the House of Representatives.

The statement was signed by Mohorret Bigun, Public Affairs Officer, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

By Ibrahim Sani Shawai

Politics is not built in a day. It is not simply about academic credentials, social media popularity or the excitement that comes with securing a party ticket. Serious politics is built over time through people, relationships, structures, sacrifice, trust and sustained engagement with the grassroots.

Measured against these realities, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is no match for Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe, in the politics of Gombe State.

For more than two decades, Sardauna has invested in people and relationships across the Gombe State. He supported young people, empowered families, built political networks and maintained relationships that have survived different political seasons.

His network extends beyond professional politicians.It cuts across youths, women, business people, community leaders, religious groups, professionals, retired public servants and ordinary citizens.

Across Gombe State, more than 1,300 volunteer youth and women support groups are working for Sardauna under the coordination of Hon. Ahmed Usman( Fada) Voluntarily.

There is also a strong network of business people under the leadership of Alhaji Saidu Mai Silifas, alongside retired directors and permanent secretaries, Alarammomi forum, community stakeholders and other organised groups.

Add to this the continuing political realignments and defections into the APC and towards the Sardauna movement, and the picture becomes increasingly in favour of Dr. Gwamna

This is not merely a campaign structure. It is the product of years of political investment and grassroots acceptability.

Leadership requires the ability to build relationships, maintain friendships, accommodate differences and inspire loyalty. Sardauna’s experience cuts across the private and public sectors, giving him an understanding of both governance and corporate management.

Gombe does not simply need someone who wants to become governor. It needs someone capable of managing government, attracting investment, creating opportunities, building institutions and consolidating the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Ibrahim Sani Shawai
Spokesperson to Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna
15th Aug, 2026

By Our Political Reporter

The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Gombe State has unveiled Dr. Lamela L. Silas, PhD, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, with Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan selected as his running mate.

The emergence of the duo marks another development in the evolving political landscape of Gombe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as political parties and aspirants continue to position themselves for the contest.

The APM ticket brings together two individuals whose profiles, according to the party, combine extensive public-sector experience, administrative knowledge, agricultural development expertise and grassroots engagement.

Dr. Lamela L. Silas: A Career in Public Finance and Administration

Dr. Lamela L. Silas, who hails from Kalorgu Ward in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, is presented by the APM as a seasoned public servant with extensive experience in government financial administration.

According to his profile, Dr. Silas began his public-sector career with the Gombe State Water Board, where he served in a financial management capacity before progressing through various positions in the public service.

He later served as Director of Finance at the Gombe State Ministry of Finance, before moving to Abuja, where he continued to build his career in public financial administration.

His career subsequently took him to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, where he served as an Assistant Director.

He also served as Assistant Director at the Federal Post Office in Jos, before rising to the position of Deputy Director of Finance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Silas later served as Deputy Director at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, according to information provided by his political profile.

His career progression culminated in his appointment as a Director of Finance, further strengthening his experience in financial management, public administration and government operations.

The APM says his extensive experience across various government institutions has exposed him to the management of public resources and the implementation of government policies.

Beyond his professional career, Dr. Silas is described as a son of Kaltungo Local Government Area, with roots in Kalorgu Ward, and as a candidate whose background reflects a combination of professional experience and local connections.

Wadaji Umar Lawan: Agriculture and Public-Service Experience

The party’s choice of Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan as deputy governorship candidate also brings another dimension to the APM ticket.

Wadaji Umar Lawan, who hails from Jekadafari Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, is described as an agricultural specialist and public-sector professional with experience spanning agriculture, government administration and community mobilisation.

According to his profile, he worked with HarvestPlus under the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, where he was involved in programmes promoting nutritious and biofortified food crops.

He also served as a Personal Assistant to the Gombe State Governor and later became involved in youth and political mobilisation activities in the state.

Lawan is also identified as having served as Chairman of the Hashidu Supporters Gombe State Youth Movement, a position through which he participated in grassroots political engagement.

His public-service experience further includes service as a Special Adviser to the Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, as well as Personal Assistant to the Head of Service.

He also worked with the Forestry Department between 2000 and 2003, according to the profile made available by the party.

His background in agriculture, public administration and grassroots engagement is expected to complement Dr. Silas’s experience in financial management and government administration.

A Ticket Built Around Experience

The APM says the choice of Dr. Lamela L. Silas and Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan reflects its effort to present candidates with professional backgrounds and experience in public service.

With Dr. Silas bringing decades of experience in financial administration and government institutions, and Lawan bringing experience in agriculture, public administration and grassroots mobilisation, the party believes the combination provides a broad range of expertise ahead of the 2027 election.

The emergence of the two candidates also adds another dimension to the expected political contest in Gombe State, where several political parties are expected to field candidates and present different programmes to the electorate.

As preparations for the 2027 election continue, the APM is expected to focus on introducing its candidates to voters across the state’s 11 local government areas while articulating its policy priorities and development agenda.

For Dr. Silas and Lawan, the immediate challenge will be to translate their professional backgrounds and political support into a credible statewide campaign capable of competing effectively in the 2027 governorship election.

The APM ticket therefore represents the party’s latest effort to strengthen its presence in Gombe State and offer the electorate an alternative political platform ahead of the next governorship contest.