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.

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.

By Our Political Reporter

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has congratulated the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, Dr. Idris Sani, on his appointment as Secretary, Education-Related Matters, of the 2027 Election Committee.

NANS described the appointment as a recognition of Dr. Sani’s experience, competence and commitment to educational development, particularly his efforts towards addressing the challenges of Almajiri education and the growing number of children outside the formal education system.

Speaking in Abuja, NANS Zone E (North East) Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Mu’azu Hina, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting Dr. Sani with what he described as an important national responsibility.

Hina said the appointment would provide Dr. Sani with an opportunity to bring his experience in the education sector to bear on the committee’s work ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“On behalf of Nigerian students, particularly the students and young people of the North East, I sincerely congratulate Dr. Idris Sani on this well-deserved appointment.

“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognising competence and experience and for giving Dr. Sani the opportunity to contribute to an important national assignment,” he said.

NANS Plans Massive Student Mobilisation

The students’ body also announced plans to intensify voter education, political awareness and grassroots mobilisation among students and young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Hina, Nigerian students constitute a critical force in the country’s democratic development and should not remain passive spectators in the political process.

He disclosed that NANS was targeting the mobilisation and political engagement of up to two million students and young Nigerians for active participation in the 2027 democratic process.

“Our target is to mobilise up to two million students and young Nigerians for active participation in the 2027 democratic process.

“We will educate them on their civic responsibilities, encourage voter registration and lawful participation, and ensure that the voice of Nigerian students is heard,” Hina said.

He added that NANS would take its campaigns on responsible citizenship, democratic participation and political awareness to campuses and communities across the country.

Association Commends Tinubu’s Education Initiatives

NANS also commended President Tinubu’s administration for what it described as its attention to education, student welfare, human-capital development and youth empowerment.

The association highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan programme, education reforms, skills-development initiatives and efforts aimed at tackling the out-of-school children crisis.

Hina, however, said NANS would continue to engage the Federal Government constructively while advocating increased investment in education and improved welfare for Nigerian students.

“We appreciate President Tinubu for nominating and entrusting Dr. Idris Sani with this responsibility.

“We believe that his experience in education will add value to the committee and contribute to a stronger national conversation around education and the future of Nigerian youths,” he said.

North East Students to Remain Engaged

The NANS Zone E Coordinator further said students and young people across Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba would remain actively involved in national affairs ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said youths in the region would continue to demand policies and programmes capable of addressing insecurity, unemployment, education challenges, skills acquisition, student financing and economic opportunities.

“The North East has a stake in Nigeria’s future. Our young people want education, security, employment and opportunities.

“We will therefore engage every relevant political and government institution constructively and ensure that the concerns of our students and youths remain part of the national political conversation,” Hina stated.

NANS urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, stay informed about political developments, reject violence and participate peacefully and responsibly in the 2027 general elections.

The association also reiterated its congratulations to Dr. Idris Sani, expressing confidence that his appointment would contribute meaningfully to discussions on education and the future of Nigerian youths.