Politics
Pantami rejects APC consensus candidate in Gombe, cites Electoral Act
By Mukhtar Sani Saulawa, Gombe
A fresh dispute has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State following the announcement of a consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party had, at an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, adopted Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna as its consensus candidate, alongside candidates for other elective positions across the state.
However, the decision has been rejected by supporters of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who described the process as unlawful and inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, Professor Suleiman Mohammed, speaking on behalf of members of the Pantamiyya Movement, argued that the so-called consensus amounts to a “coronation” that fails to meet legal requirements.
“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving all aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” the statement said.
The group cited the Electoral Act, 2026, noting that political parties are restricted to two modes of candidate selection consensus and direct primaries. It explained that for consensus to be valid, all cleared aspirants must give written consent to step down.
“If even one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to a direct primary,” the statement added.
The group further alleged that the process contradicts directives of the national leadership of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While urging supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, the group indicated its readiness to challenge the outcome, revealing that its legal team is already reviewing the development.
It also called on party members to prepare for possible direct primaries, insisting that the current arrangement cannot stand under the law.
The disagreement signals early cracks within the APC in Gombe State, raising the prospect of a prolonged internal contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Politics
Gombe 2027:ADC Chieftain Garkuwa Babba Dumps Party for APC, Pledges Grassroots Support for Inuwa,Jamilu
By Our Political Reporter
The political landscape in Gombe State has recorded another major development ahead of the 2027 general elections, as a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, popularly known as Garkuwa Babba, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Garkuwa Babba, a former ADC aspirant for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency and National Chairman of the ADC House of Representatives Aspirants Forum, announced his decision to join the APC when he met with the Gombe State Governor and leader of the APC in the state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The defection is being viewed as a significant boost to the ruling APC, particularly because of Garkuwa Babba’s political network and grassroots presence across the state.
At the meeting, the former ADC chieftain pledged to mobilise his political structure and supporters for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, specifically expressing support for Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s senatorial ambition, the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and other candidates of the party.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Jamilu Gwamna and APC chieftain and philanthropist, Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Combat.
Why I Joined APC — Garkuwa Babba
Explaining his decision, Garkuwa Babba attributed his defection largely to what he described as Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s sterling leadership, performance and development record in Gombe State.
He commended the governor for what he described as tangible achievements across various sectors, arguing that the administration’s development initiatives had strengthened confidence in the APC among citizens.
According to him, his decision to join the APC was a deliberate move to identify with what he considers a development-oriented leadership and to contribute to the consolidation of the gains recorded under the present administration.
He also pledged to deploy his political contacts, supporters and grassroots structures towards ensuring the success of the APC in the 2027 elections.
Garkuwa Babba said his political mobilisation would extend beyond the governor’s senatorial aspiration to include the campaign for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna and other APC candidates contesting various elective positions.
Inuwa Yahaya Welcomes Defection
Receiving the former ADC chieftain, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation for his decision to join the APC, describing the development as a significant addition to the party.
The governor warmly welcomed Garkuwa Babba and his supporters into the APC and emphasised the importance of unity, loyalty and collective effort in advancing the interests of Gombe State.
Governor Inuwa said the APC remained open to individuals and groups who share its vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Gombe State.
He assured the new entrant that his political experience, grassroots network and wider reach would be valuable to the party as it continues to consolidate its political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Calls for APC Unity
Governor Inuwa further called on APC members and stakeholders across the state to maintain unity and cohesion, stressing that the strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while pursuing a common development agenda.
He urged party members to put collective interests above personal considerations and work together towards sustaining peace, stability and development in the state.
The latest defection comes at a time when political activities and realignments are intensifying across Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.
With Garkuwa Babba now formally joining the APC and pledging his grassroots structure to the party, the development is expected to generate further political calculations among the major parties as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.
Politics
Yamaltu West Councillorship Aspirants Applaud Sa’adu Hassan’s Contributions to APC Development
By Our Correspondent
The Yamaltu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Councillorship Aspirants Forum has commended the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, for his contributions to the growth and development of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yamaltu West and Gombe State.
The forum gave the commendation on Wednesday when its members paid a familiarisation and solidarity visit to Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, also known as Sardaunan Yamaltu, at his office.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of Yamaltu West LCDA, Hon. Seyoji Ahmed Kunji, popularly known as Chiroman Kunji.
The visit, according to the forum, was aimed at strengthening the relationship between party stakeholders and APC leadership, while recognising Sa’adu Hassan’s contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the community.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the forum, Hon. Isma’il Aliyu, described the engagement as timely and significant, stressing the need for unity, cooperation and collective commitment among party stakeholders to sustain the growth and success of the APC.
Aliyu commended Sa’adu Hassan for what he described as his commitment to the party and the people, particularly his efforts in public awareness, mobilisation and promoting cooperation among members of the community.
He assured the Executive Secretary of the forum’s continued support and cooperation, saying members remained committed to working together for the progress of the APC and the development of Yamaltu West.
Also speaking, the forum’s Secretary, Hon. Musa Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Sa’adu Hassan for his dedication and efforts, describing his contributions as worthy of recognition and encouragement.
The forum members subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting unity, development and cooperation among party members and stakeholders in Gombe State.
Responding, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan expressed appreciation to the councillorship aspirants for the visit, describing it as a source of encouragement that would motivate him to intensify his efforts towards the development of the APC in Yamaltu West, Gombe State and Nigeria.
He urged party loyalists to remain steadfast, united and committed to the ideals of the APC.
Sa’adu Hassan also cautioned party members against what he described as unsubstantiated statements and distractions from opposition parties, urging them to remain focused on community development and initiatives that would strengthen democracy and good governance.
He called on APC stakeholders to sustain peace and unity within the party, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to him, collective effort and cooperation among party members and stakeholders remain essential to achieving the party’s political and developmental objectives.
As part of the reception, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan presented ₦1 million in cash to members of the visiting delegation to assist with transportation expenses back to their respective localities.
He prayed for the safe return of the delegation and wished the members success in their future political engagements.
Politics
BREAKING: Gombe PDP State Youth Leader Jamilu Ali Kalshingi Resigns From Party
By Our Political Reporter
The State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Alhaji Jamilu Ali Kalshingi, has resigned from his position and membership of the party with immediate effect.
Kalshingi conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Bolari West Ward, Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State.
In the letter titled “Resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” the former State Youth Leader said the decision followed careful consideration.
He described his time as State Youth Leader as an honour and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with dedicated members of the party in pursuing what he described as shared goals for youths in Gombe State.
“Serving as the State Youth Leader was an honour, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with dedicated party members towards our shared goals for the youth in Gombe State. I am proud of our milestones,” he stated.
Kalshingi explained that he had decided to move in a new direction which, according to him, required him to leave his affiliated party work in order to pursue broader commitments.
He, however, thanked the PDP leadership and members of the Bolari West Ward for their support and guidance during his time in the party.
The letter concluded with his appreciation for the party’s understanding of his decision.
His resignation comes at a politically significant period in Gombe State, where political parties and their supporters are already positioning themselves ahead of future electoral activities.
Kalshingi is also identified in the letterhead as the Executive Chairman of Dan Aleey Multiservice Ltd and Executive Chairman of Aljak Multi Global Ventures, with an address in Bolari Quarters, Gombe.
As of the date of the resignation letter, Kalshingi did not disclose in the document the political party or platform he may be joining next, nor did he state any specific disagreement with the PDP leadership as the reason for his departure.
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