The Gombe State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disregard the existence of any faction in its fold, stressing that SDP in Gombe State is one family under the leadership of Alhaji Sani Abubakar Buga Daɗawagga as duly recognized by the SDP National Office.

This was according to a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the State’s SDP Acting Secretary Reverend Jones Nawarke Ngai, after the party’s State Executive Council meeting in Gombe.

“We distanced ourself from the so called faction under one Hajiya Dijatu Baffa. This is politically motivated by some unscrupulous elements to undermine our unity and prospects in Gombe State.

The statement therefore urged SDP members, the public, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all security agencies to disregard any group parading itself in the name of Gombe SDP, aside from its genuine leadership under Alhaji Sani Abubakar Buga Daɗawagga.

The party executive stressed its unalloyed loyalty to the Acting National Chairman Professor Sadik Umar Abubakar Gombe, whom it said was officially recognized by the party’s National Working Committee.

The SDP also stressed its readiness and commitments to ensure only quality candidates emerge under its flagship for positive change in Gombe State and Nigeria come 2027.

By Our Correspondent

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has suffered yet another setback following the defection of Alhaji Yusuf Daudu Katukan Kaltungo, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Director-General during Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s first tenure.

Katukan, a respected technocrat and influential political figure in Kaltungo Local Government Area, officially announced his exit from the APC to pitch his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His decision is seen as a major blow to the ruling party, which has in recent weeks witnessed the departure of several high-profile members.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Katukan cited “personal convictions and the need to align with a platform that reflects my political ideals and vision for Gombe State” as reasons for his defection. He commended the APC for the opportunity to serve but stressed that his new political journey would be dedicated to grassroots empowerment and inclusive governance.

Political observers say his move could tilt the balance in Kaltungo and neighbouring LGAs, given his strong followership and influence in the area.

This development comes amid growing discontent within the APC in Gombe State, where several prominent members have defected to opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the ADC gradually positioning itself as a strong alternative in the state’s political landscape, analysts believe Katukan’s entry could further strengthen its chances in both the PDP and APC strongholds.

The APC leadership in Gombe is yet to issue an official response to his defection.

By Our Correspondent

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has suffered yet another high-profile defection, as Barrister Shuaibu Usman Gwani, a respected party elder and key political figure, officially announced his exit from the party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Barrister Gwani, who served as a Member of the Gombe State Transition Committee in 2019 and was a prominent member of the APC Campaign Council in the 2023 general elections, is widely regarded as one of the party’s influential grassroots mobilisers. His departure marks another significant loss for the APC in the state, which has recently been grappling with a wave of defections by prominent members.

In his resignation letter, addressed to the APC leadership in his ward, Gwani cited “personal convictions and the need to align with a platform that reflects my political ideals and the aspirations of my people” as reasons for his decision. He expressed appreciation to the APC for the years of political collaboration but stressed that it was time to “chart a new course” for the future.

Political observers say his defection to the ADC could boost the party’s profile in Gombe, given his long-standing influence and strong network of supporters across the state. Many believe this move could signal growing dissatisfaction within the APC ranks ahead of future political contests.

This latest defection follows similar high-profile exits by party stalwarts in recent months, fueling speculation about possible internal rifts within the ruling party in Gombe State.

The African Democratic Congress, on its part, has welcomed Barrister Gwani, describing his entry as a “strategic gain” that will strengthen the party’s position ahead of the next electoral cycle.

With the political atmosphere in Gombe becoming increasingly charged, all eyes are now on the APC’s next move to stem the tide of defections and maintain its grip on the state’s political landscape.