Governor Inuwa Yahaya has officially blocked Senator Danjuma Goje from securing another Senate ticket in the 2027 general elections, instead endorsing Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate for Gombe State. The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting, marking a significant political shift in the state’s political landscape. This decision comes amid a prolonged political rift between Governor Yahaya and Senator Goje, which has intensified since the 2023 elections. The governor’s move underscores his growing influence within the party’s internal dynamics in Gombe.
Senator Goje, who has served four consecutive terms in the Senate, had recently participated in a delegation that met President Bola Tinubu to advocate for automatic re-election tickets for sitting lawmakers. However, the request was reportedly rejected by the presidency, leaving many aspirants, including Goje, without guaranteed nominations. The APC’s decision to bypass Goje in favor of Gwamna signals a strategic realignment within the party, aimed at consolidating support behind candidates aligned with the governor’s vision.
In addition to the governorship endorsement, the APC released a list of consensus candidates for other key positions in Gombe State. Mohammed Ahmadu Deba has been picked to contest for the Gombe Central Senatorial District, while Jerry Damara is set to run for Gombe South. Governor Inuwa Yahaya himself will seek re-election for the Gombe North Senatorial District, showcasing his ambition to maintain political dominance in the region.
For the House of Representatives, the party has named Usman Bello Kumo for Akko, Inuwa Garba for Yamaltu/Deba, Ali Isa for Balanga/Billiri, Fatima Binta Bello for Kaltungo/Shongom, Saddam Bello for Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye, and Jamilu Shabewa for Dukku/Nafada. These selections reflect a broad-based approach to representation across the state’s constituencies.
It is worth noting that Sheikh Isa Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and a prominent governorship aspirant, has publicly rejected the consensus candidates, indicating potential internal dissent within the party. His opposition may spark further debates and political maneuvering as the 2027 elections draw closer.
As the APC prepares to rally behind its chosen candidates, reactions from various political quarters are expected to intensify. The party’s leadership will likely focus on uniting its members and addressing concerns from dissenting voices to ensure a cohesive campaign. The outcome of these developments could shape the political future of Gombe State and influence the broader APC strategy in the North-East region.
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