A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, as two rival factions have declared different candidates for the 2027 governorship election, deepening internal divisions within the party. The faction led by Tanimu Turaki has formally presented Mohammed Yayari as its candidate, while another group, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as its preferred choice. Both factions held separate events to unveil their candidates, each claiming legitimacy and support from party structures, creating a split that could affect the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
Mohammed Yayari received his Certificate of Return during a ceremony on Wednesday, alongside other candidates from various states. Party leaders at the event emphasized the importance of loyalty, warning that any candidate who defects to another party after securing nomination would face consequences. Ibrahim Turaki, a prominent PDP chieftain, stated firmly, “Nobody will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it.” He added that future candidates would be required to sign binding agreements before their names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent defections.
Theophilus Shan, National Organising Secretary of the PDP, affirmed the party’s readiness for the upcoming elections, saying, “We are ready to go into the elections prepared with our candidates.” His statement came as part of broader efforts to project unity and discipline ahead of the 2027 polls. However, this message of preparedness is now overshadowed by the emergence of a competing faction in Abuja, which held its own National Executive Committee meeting and officially presented Isa Pantami as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Gombe State.
The rival group, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, also distributed Certificates of Return to candidates it claims have been recognized and published by INEC. This move has intensified the leadership tussle within the PDP in Gombe, with both factions now operating independently and promoting different candidates for the same political ticket. The split has raised concerns about the party’s ability to present a united front in the 2027 election, potentially weakening its chances against opposition parties.
As the PDP grapples with this internal conflict, the political landscape in Gombe State is becoming increasingly uncertain. The rivalry between the Turaki and Mohammed-led factions may lead to legal challenges, public disputes, or even a split in the party’s grassroots support. With the 2027 election still several years away, the outcome of this leadership battle will likely shape the party’s strategy and influence its performance in the state. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the PDP can reconcile its differences or risk fragmentation ahead of the next general election.
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