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
Governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State have cautioned the party leadership against what they described as an alleged attempt to “smuggle” former APC governorship aspirant, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, into the party’s ongoing governorship primary process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The aspirants, in a communiqué issued on Sunday, argued that Prof. Pantami, who participated in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on May 21, 2026, could not lawfully defect to the PDP and contest another governorship primary within the same election cycle.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Usman Aliyu Garry, and Monica Kaltho.
The development comes days after Prof. Pantami announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, citing alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.
The PDP aspirants disclosed that, in the interest of party unity and cohesion, they had unanimously agreed to allow the leadership of the party in Gombe State to select a consensus candidate among them for the 2027 governorship election.
According to the communiqué, the decision was taken “in respect and deference to the leadership of our great party,” particularly the PDP leader in the state, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, alongside members of the State Executive Committee, the 11 Local Government Chairmen, and the Elders Committee.
The aspirants stated that they had already signed a written undertaking pledging to abide by the final decision of the party leadership regarding the emergence of a consensus candidate.
“We therefore condemn in the strongest terms the alleged attempt to smuggle into the PDP primaries an aspirant who, by law and established democratic principles, is ineligible to participate, having already contested in the APC governorship primaries held on 21st May, 2026,” the communiqué read.
They further argued that the law does not permit a candidate to defect from one political party to another and subsequently participate in the same election process after votes had already been cast and counted in another party’s primary election.
While affirming that the PDP remains open to welcoming new members, the aspirants maintained that such individuals should not be allowed to join a primary process already at an advanced stage.
“We strongly object to any attempt to involve such a person in the ongoing PDP gubernatorial primaries,” they stated.
The aspirants also warned the party leadership against taking actions capable of exposing the PDP to avoidable legal disputes and internal crisis.
“We therefore call on the leadership of the party to be properly guided and to desist from promoting any action capable of undermining the rule of law or exposing the party to avoidable litigation,” the communiqué added.
They warned that any violation of due process could trigger serious legal challenges from aggrieved party members and even opposition parties.
The statement concluded with a cautionary note, saying, “As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine.”
By Our Political Reporter
The political landscape of Gombe North Senatorial District has taken a dramatic turn following the emergence of Hon. Mustapha Aliyu as the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Aliyu secured the party’s ticket amid growing interest in the senatorial race, positioning himself for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest involving some of the state’s most influential political figures.
In his acceptance speech after the primaries, Aliyu declared confidence in his ability to defeat two major contenders—former Governor and current Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is expected to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the race.
He described his emergence as a mandate to offer credible leadership and pledged to bring what he called the “dividends of democracy” to the people of Gombe North if elected in 2027.
According to him, his campaign will focus on improving governance, strengthening democratic participation, and addressing the socio-economic challenges facing communities across the senatorial district.
Political observers say the development signals an early build-up to one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in Gombe State, as heavyweight candidates from the three major parties prepare for a fierce electoral showdown.
With his emergence, Hon. Mustapha Aliyu has officially entered a high-stakes political battle that is expected to shape the future political direction of Gombe North ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Our Political Reporter
Former Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali, on Saturday held a massive political rally in Gombe in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his 2027 re-election ambition.
The rally attracted a large crowd of supporters, party loyalists, and youths from different parts of Gombe State, who gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of President Tinubu.
The event came shortly after another major political gathering in which over 2,000 youths marched through parts of Gombe Local Government Area in solidarity with Senator Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali, expressing support for him to emerge as the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The youth rally was organized under the leadership of Usman Ahmad Saleh, popularly known as Sarkin Adon Pantami, who coordinated supporters and mobilized participants for the peaceful procession.
Carrying banners, posters, and APC flags, the youths chanted political slogans and praised Senator Alkali for what they described as his contributions to the development of the state and his loyalty to the APC.
Many of the supporters at the rally said they believe Senator Alkali possesses the political experience and leadership qualities needed to move Gombe State forward if given the opportunity to contest for the governorship seat.
Speaking during the gathering, party supporters also pledged their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition, insisting that the APC-led administration should be given more time to continue its programmes and policies across the country.
The rally further highlighted the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, as various interest groups and supporters continue consultations and mobilization within party structures across Gombe State.
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