Key Takeaways
- The APC is the most formidable force in Gombe State but faces challenges from the opposition, particularly the PDP.
- Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the PDP governorship candidate, has attracted notable politicians from the APC, SDP, and ADC.
- The APC has a structural advantage due to its control of elective positions and extensive political structure.
- The ADC is also seeking to position itself as a viable alternative, but faces internal disagreements and limited grassroots presence.
With less than a year to the 2027 general elections, political activities are gaining momentum in Gombe State. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing to defend its dominance against an opposition determined to regain political relevance. Although the APC remains the state’s most formidable political force, recent defections, renewed alliances, and growing campaign activities suggest that the contest may be more competitive than previous elections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the APC’s principal challenger following the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as its governorship candidate. Since clinching the party’s ticket, Pantami has attracted a number of notable politicians from the APC, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Among them is the 2023 SDP governorship candidate, Kelmi K. Lazarus, who recently declared support for the PDP candidate.
APC Retains Structural Advantage
Despite the renewed activities within the opposition, the APC enters the race with significant advantages. As the ruling party, it controls virtually all elective positions in the state and maintains an extensive political structure stretching from the state level to the 11 local government areas and 114 wards. Observers also note that the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, is expected to leverage the party’s established grassroots network, government support base, and campaign machinery.
However, some analysts warn that lingering internal disagreements within the APC, if left unresolved, could weaken its electoral advantage. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), with Bala Bello Tinka as its governorship candidate, is also seeking to position itself as a viable alternative. While some residents described Tinka as an experienced politician with administrative competence, others argued that his previous association with the APC administration may make it difficult to convince voters seeking a clear political alternative.
Political Landscape Remains Fluid
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded fresh defections in the state following the resignation of two key ward officials in Pantami Ward, Gombe Local Government Area. The Ward Chairman, Bala Salihu Ngalda, and the party’s Legal Adviser, Babangida Atiku Gololo, separately resigned from their positions and withdrew their membership from the ruling party.
Political analysts note that the departure of two senior ward officials in such short order could weaken the APC’s grassroots structure in Pantami, though the party has yet to issue an official response. A political analyst, Comrade Muhammad Isa, said the APC remains the favourite because of its incumbency advantage and strong political organisation. He, however, described Pantami as the opposition candidate posing the greatest challenge to the ruling party.
Why This Matters
The ability of the opposition parties to resolve internal disagreements, build stronger ward-level structures, and sustain a united campaign could determine how competitive the election becomes. For the APC, maintaining party unity and effectively marketing its candidate will be critical to preserving its dominance. The outcome of the 2027 governorship election is far from settled, and the political landscape remains fluid as the parties continue to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics.