Politics
Gombe 2027: Elections Are Won at the Polls, Not on Social Media
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
Media Aide to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna
12 August 2026
There is a fundamental truth about politics that the excitement of the social media age sometimes makes us forget: elections are not won by the loudest voices online. They are won by the people who actually go to the polling units to cast their votes.
As the political conversation ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State gathers momentum, this distinction remains important.
The next Governor of Gombe State will not be elected on Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok. The decision will ultimately be made at polling units across the state’s 11 Local Government Areas by citizens who live with the consequences of their choice.
Social media has undoubtedly transformed political communication. A politician can trend nationally within hours, attract thousands of followers and become the subject of conversations far beyond his immediate constituency. However, political visibility online does not automatically translate into electoral strength on the ground.
Likes are not ballots. Followers are not voters. Retweets are not polling units.
And sympathy generated hundreds of kilometres away cannot replace the confidence and acceptance of the electorate at home.
This reality is particularly relevant to the emerging political conversation around Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe, whose political activities have continued to attract attention as preparations for 2027 intensify.
For Gwamna, the emphasis appears to be on maintaining direct engagement with the people of Gombe State—the very people whose mandate he seeks.
And there is a simple reason for that: politics is ultimately local.
Anyone seeking to govern a people must understand their communities, aspirations, frustrations and expectations. More importantly, the people must know the person seeking their mandate and have the opportunity to assess his character, experience, vision and capacity.
For Sardaunan Gombe, that relationship did not begin with the approach of the 2027 election.
His supporters argue that his engagement with communities in Gombe State dates back more than two decades, long before the current political contest became prominent. Over the years, his professional career, public service experience, political engagements, philanthropic activities and relationships with communities have contributed to the political identity he has built.
Every relationship established along the way matters. Every community visited matters. Every person whose life has been positively touched matters.
That is why the current phase of Gwamna’s political engagement may be better understood not simply as an introduction to the people, but as a continuation of an already established relationship.
For many of his supporters across the state, the question is no longer simply:
“Who is Jamil Gwamna?”
The bigger question is:
“What does Jamil Gwamna intend to do for Gombe State?”
That is where the 2027 political conversation should increasingly focus.
What is the plan for creating employment opportunities for young people?
What is the strategy for strengthening agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers?
How can education and healthcare be further improved?
How can Gombe attract more investment and expand its economic base?
What role will technology play in creating opportunities for the state’s growing population of young people?
How can government become more efficient, transparent and responsive?
And how can the achievements recorded in the state be consolidated while opening new frontiers of development?
These are the questions that should occupy the centre of the political debate ahead of 2027.
Social media certainly has an important role to play. It provides politicians with a powerful platform to communicate policies, engage young people, counter misinformation and reach audiences that traditional political structures may not easily reach.
But social media should complement—not replace—grassroots political engagement.
A candidate may command an enormous online following, yet an election is ultimately determined by voters who present themselves at polling units on election day.
For a candidate seeking to govern Gombe State, therefore, building trust within Gombe remains fundamental.
Sympathy in Abuja, Kano or Kaduna cannot cast a ballot in Gombe.
Applause in Abuja cannot replace grassroots acceptance in Akko.
A trending conversation outside the state cannot substitute for relationships in Balanga, Billiri, Dukku, Funakaye, Kaltungo, Kwami, Nafada, Shongom, Yamaltu/Deba and Gombe.
When election day arrives, the governorship will be decided in these communities and at polling units across the state.
The political lesson is therefore straightforward: online popularity may generate attention, but grassroots acceptance wins elections.
For Sardaunan Gombe, the task ahead is consequently clear—remain connected to the people, listen to their concerns, understand their aspirations, engage communities, build lasting relationships and, most importantly, present a credible and practical agenda for the future of Gombe State.
The 2027 election should not merely be a contest of personalities, social-media trends or political slogans. It should be a contest of ideas, experience, competence, character, credibility and the ability to translate political promises into meaningful development.
Ultimately, the people of Gombe State will have the final say.
Not Facebook.
Not X.
Not Instagram.
Not TikTok.
The people.
And when the votes are cast and counted, it will be the choice made by the electorate at the polling units across Gombe State that determines who occupies the Government House after 2027.
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has called for a peaceful, respectful and issue-based political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the interest of Gombe State must remain above personal and political differences.
Dr. Gwamna made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, where he emphasized that his campaign would focus on solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than engaging in insults, personal attacks or divisive politics.
According to the APC governorship flag bearer, the people of Gombe State deserve a campaign centred on ideas, policies and practical programmes capable of improving their lives.
“From the very beginning, I made it clear that I will run an issues-based campaign. I have no interest in politics of insults, personal attacks, or needless distractions,” Dr. Gwamna stated.
He noted that the guiding philosophy of his campaign remains “Gombe Above All,” stressing that every policy and programme under his administration would be designed to promote unity, development and prosperity for all citizens.
Dr. Gwamna disclosed that his campaign would focus on critical sectors such as job creation, economic growth, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and livestock development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
He also urged the people of Gombe State to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is contesting for the Gombe Central Senatorial seat, as well as other APC candidates seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The APC candidate described the achievements of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration as clear evidence of the party’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Gombe State.
“Our campaign is equally committed to consolidating the remarkable achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while introducing fresh ideas, innovative policies and strategic initiatives that will accelerate growth,” he said.
Dr. Gwamna further revealed that a comprehensive development blueprint for Gombe State would be unveiled once campaigns for governorship and State Assembly positions officially commence.
The blueprint, he explained, would be anchored on the principles of Continuity, Sustainability and Consolidation, aimed at building on the successes of the current administration while introducing practical solutions to create more opportunities, improve living standards and ensure that development reaches all parts of the state.
He expressed confidence that Gombe possesses the human and natural resources needed to emerge as one of Africa’s leading sub-national economies through visionary leadership, disciplined governance and collective efforts.
Dr. Gwamna therefore called on political actors, supporters and citizens across party lines to maintain peace and uphold the values of mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
Political observers say the APC candidate’s emphasis on issue-based politics could set a new tone for campaigns in Gombe State, where citizens are increasingly demanding policies and programmes that directly address their socio-economic needs.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
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