Politics
Gombe 2023 Proved It: No Governor Owns the Votes
By Ibrahim Salisu Hinna
Recent political defections in Gombe State have reignited debate over a long-held assumption in Nigerian politics — that a sitting governor automatically controls the voting direction of the electorate.
The conversation resurfaced following developments in the state’s House of Representatives representation, where two lawmakers elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
2023 Elections Told a Different Story
In the 2023 general elections, Gombe State presented a striking political contrast. Although the state government was controlled by the APC, five out of the six seats in the House of Representatives were won by PDP candidates.
The outcome was widely interpreted as proof that voters in Gombe could make independent choices, separating state-level leadership from federal legislative representation. Analysts noted at the time that incumbency at the state level did not automatically translate into dominance at the federal polls.
The results effectively challenged the popular belief that governors possess the political machinery to determine electoral outcomes across all tiers.
Wave of Defections
However, the political landscape has since shifted. Two PDP lawmakers representing Yamaltu/Deba and Dukku/Nafada federal constituencies have now defected to the APC. Speculation is mounting that the remaining three PDP lawmakers may also follow suit.
Under Nigeria’s democratic framework, defection by elected officials is lawful, particularly when justified by internal party crises or strategic political alignment. Lawmakers often argue that moving to the ruling party enhances their ability to attract projects and better represent their constituents.
Yet beyond the legal provisions lies a deeper political and moral question — the issue of mandate.
Mandate and Voter Intent
Observers argue that when voters elect opposition candidates in a state governed by another party, it is often a deliberate act of balancing power. Such choices may reflect dissatisfaction, strategic preference, or a desire for broader representation.
A post-election change of party platform, critics say, can raise concerns about whether the original mandate is being preserved in spirit.
The 2023 results in Gombe were seen as a clear signal that voters were capable of distinguishing between party structures and individual candidates. The electorate demonstrated that votes are not automatically transferred based on the governor’s party affiliation.
Power Is Dynamic
Political analysts note that defections are often driven by shifting power dynamics. Political alignment tends to gravitate toward perceived centres of influence. However, power in Nigeria’s political system remains fluid.
Today’s ruling party at the state or federal level may not retain that status indefinitely. Political dominance is neither static nor permanent.
For the remaining PDP lawmakers in Gombe, the unfolding developments present a defining moment. While political strategy is a reality, public perception also matters in an era of growing political awareness.
Constituents, many argue, are increasingly attentive to political movements and may weigh such decisions in future elections.
Faith and Politics
Gombe, like much of Nigeria, is deeply rooted in faith. Many residents believe that leadership is ultimately determined by divine will. While political parties provide platforms for contestation, destiny, in the eyes of believers, transcends party structures.
In that sense, electoral success is viewed not only as a product of political calculation but also as a reflection of divine decree.
A Lesson for the Political Class
The unfolding events in Gombe offer a broader lesson in democratic accountability. Governors do not manufacture votes, and no party permanently owns political power.
The 2023 House of Representatives elections demonstrated that authority ultimately rests with the electorate. As political alignments continue to evolve, one principle remains constant — the people decide.
And in the final analysis, power belongs neither to governors nor to parties, but to the voters of Gombe State.
By Our Political Reporter
The Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum has announced plans to hold a gathering aimed at demonstrating its support and solidarity with a candidate ahead of the forthcoming political activities in the state.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., will take place at the Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
According to the invitation notice issued by the Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum (GOCAF-2020/2026), the gathering is being organised to demonstrate the forum’s support and unity among APC councillor aspirants.
The organisers said the event will also provide an opportunity to present the activities, contributions and plans of the forum towards strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contributing to what they described as the success of the party.
The invitation specifically describes the programme as “A Gathering in Support of Candidate”, although the name of the candidate is obscured on the copy of the invitation available for publication.
The forum said the gathering is expected to bring together members and stakeholders associated with the APC councillorship aspirants’ platform to discuss issues concerning the party and its grassroots structures.
The development comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across Gombe State and other parts of Nigeria. Recent reporting has also documented increased political activity involving major parties in Gombe ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisers invited members, supporters and other relevant stakeholders to attend the gathering, which they said would provide an avenue to showcase the forum’s activities and its contribution to the development of the APC.
The invitation listed the contact numbers 08062863525, 09116706265 and 08031107293 for further enquiries.
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
By Our Political Correspondent
The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Gombe State has unveiled a 21-member campaign structure for its governorship campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The structure, described in the document as the “Approved Structure of the Alliance for Progressive Movement (APM) Gombe State Gubernatorial Campaign Team,” is headed by the Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin of Akko Local Government Area.
The campaign structure was formally approved and endorsed by the party’s Gombe State governorship candidate, Dr. Lamela L. Silas, according to the document.
The development comes as the APM continues to strengthen its organisational structure in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Dr. Silas and Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan were unveiled as the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively in August 2026.
Under the approved structure, Hon. Jethro Usman of Billiri will serve as Deputy Director-General, while Alhaji Sani Bappah Nafada is designated Assistant Coordinator North.
Mallam Baba Sama Kuri of Yamaltu-Deba will serve as Assistant Coordinator Central, while Hon. Garba Abubakar of Billiri will coordinate the Southern Senatorial District.
The position of General Secretary goes to Alhaji Hassan Dawaki of Dukku, with Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad of Yamaltu-Deba serving as Assistant General Secretary.
Other members include Hon. Baba Manu Kwami, Financial Secretary; Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano, Treasurer; and Hon. Gaddafi Haruna, Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
Hon. Zakari Kwapondi of Kaltungo was named Assistant Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
In the media and communications arm, Hussaini Sani Babangida of Gombe was appointed Director of Media and Publicity, while Abubakar Abdullahi of Akko was named Director of Social Media.
The structure also names Isah Muhammad Lasdon as Youth Leader, with Yohana Peter Lalapido serving as Assistant Youth Leader.
The women’s wing is headed by Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula of Kaltungo as Women Leader, while Binta Maikudi Shamaki of Gombe was appointed Assistant Women Leader.
For organisational affairs, Comr. Abdullahi Batari of Balanga was appointed Organising Secretary, with Alhaji Muhammad Manu Isa of Funakaye as Assistant Organising Secretary.
The legal department comprises San. Luka Haruna of Akko as Legal Officer and Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade of Yamaltu-Deba as Assistant Legal Officer.
Full APM Gombe Campaign Structure
1. Director-General (DG): Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin — Akko
2. Deputy Director-General (DDG): Hon. Jethro Usman — Billiri
3. Assistant Coordinator North: Alh. Sani Bappah Nafada — Nafada
4. Assistant Coordinator Central: Mallam Baba Sama Kuri — Yamaltu-Deba
5. Assistant Coordinator South: Hon. Garba Abubakar — Billiri
6. General Secretary: Alh. Hassan Dawaki — Dukku
7. Assistant General Secretary: Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad — Yamaltu-Deba
8. Financial Secretary: Hon. Baba Manu Kwami — Kwami
9. Treasurer: Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano — Yamaltu-Deba
10. Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Gaddafi Haruna — Gombe
11. Assistant Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Zakari Kwapondi — Kaltungo
12. Director, Media & Publicity: Hussaini Sani Babangida — Gombe
13. Director, Social Media: Abubakar Abdullahi — Akko
14. Youth Leader: Isah Muhammad Lasdon — Gombe
15. Assistant Youth Leader: Yohana Peter Lalapido — Shongom
16. Women Leader: Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula — Kaltungo
17. Assistant Women Leader: Binta Maikudi Shamaki — Gombe
18. Organising Secretary: Comr. Abdullahi Batari — Balanga
19. Assistant Organising Secretary: Alh. Muhammad Manu Isa — Funakaye
20. Legal Officer: San. Luka Haruna — Akko
21. Assistant Legal Officer: Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade — Yamaltu-Deba
The composition gives representation to several local government areas and assigns responsibilities across coordination, administration, mobilisation, media, youth, women, organisation and legal affairs.
The APM has in recent weeks also engaged its national leadership in Abuja, with Dr. Silas and his running mate discussing party development, election planning and strengthening the party’s grassroots organisation in Gombe.
The newly released campaign structure is therefore expected to serve as an organisational framework for coordinating the party’s activities across the state as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.
The document lists the appointments as formally approved and endorsed by Dr. Lamela L. Silas.
Willies Ugo, Gombe
A socio-political group, Forward Nigeria, has kicked off its political advocacy campaign with a call on Northern Nigeria political stakeholders to respect the gentleman power shift arrangement between the North and South.
Co-Convener of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who is also the Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, made the call at the formal unveiling of the group held at Barcelona Hotel Abuja, over the weekend.
Membership of Forward Nigeria cuts across all parts of Nigeria and Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the group is of the view that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the North-South power rotation has been maintained between the two regions with a view to fostering national unity and even development across the country.
The group is therefore urging political stakeholders in the North to respect the principle of power rotation and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete the eight-year presidential tenure before the North seeks to reclaim power.
According to Comrade Waiya, returning the presidency to the North after only one term would undermine the principle of power rotation and risk reopening sectional tensions that have historically shaped Nigeria’s presidential politics.
Waiya argued that the North should not seek to claim presidency in 2027 after only four years of the current administration, insisting that allowing Tinubu to complete the eight years would provide political continuity and give his Government time to consolidate its policies, programmes and projects initiated for the overall progress and developmentof Nigeria.
He urged Northern political stakeholders to place the broader principle of national balance above immediate electoral calculations saying, “Nigerians should focus on governance and development rather than allowing the 2027 contest to revive sectional divisions”.
Waiya said, “the Tinubu administration inherited enormous economic and security challenges in 2023 and had since introduced measures which, were putting the country on a different trajectory”.
He cited Local Government autonomy, increased financial resources accruing to sub-national Governments and moves towards establishing State police structures as reforms that could strengthen governance and security.
Waiya disclosed that Kano State had already established a State Police implementation committee, which he added could contribute to job creation and improved security when fully implemented.
Waiya described “Nigeria Forward” as a bridge between policy and people as well as a platform for bottom to top citizens engagement insisting that the NF was not owned by any particular political party but has been dedicated to all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and co-convener of the movement, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the Federal Government’s reforms were designed to move Nigeria from infrastructure and connectivity to production, jobs and prosperity.
He said Nigeria’s development story, particularly in the North, should not be reduced to political slogans, urging citizens to examine what was being built, where projects were located, the problems they were solving and who stood to benefit.
Tochukwu Udeh said infrastructure should be judged by its practical impact, noting that roads should connect farmers to markets while railways should reduce the cost of transporting goods. He identified energy and digital connectivity as important to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
He described the administration’s development trajectory as “reform to infrastructure, infrastructure to connectivity, connectivity to production, production to jobs and jobs to prosperity,” and called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to consolidate the reforms.
He urged Nigeria Forward members to make evidence, inclusiveness, innovation and national unity the foundation of their activities, saying the platform’s message of “Together We Move Nigeria Forward” should translate into a commitment to service, citizenship and national development.
End
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