Politics in Gombe State is becoming more intense as the 2027 governorship election draws closer. What is happening is no longer normal political competition. It is now a serious struggle for power, survival, revenge, and control.
The entry of Professor Isa Ali Pantami into the governorship race under the Peoples Democratic Party has changed the political situation in the state.
Pantami was once a strong critic of the PDP during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Today, he is contesting under the same party.
This shows one clear truth about Nigerian politics: there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
The big question now is whether the PDP is truly preparing to take power or creating more internal problems for itself.
Many loyal PDP members in Gombe are unhappy.
Their complaint is that the party now seems to favour powerful newcomers over long-time loyal members who have worked for the party for years.
Pantami’s emergence has reopened old wounds. Some party members who stood by the PDP during difficult times now feel ignored.
Many supporters are asking: if loyalty no longer matters, why should anyone continue to work for the party?
This is an important question because elections are won at the grassroots. They are won by ward coordinators, youth mobilisers, women leaders, polling agents, and local supporters who believe in the party.
If that trust is lost, the party may weaken from within.
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Former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo remains the main political leader of the PDP in Gombe.
However, some party members believe his leadership style has contributed to the party’s current challenges.
Many people still remember the mistakes of 2019, when internal disagreements and poor political decisions weakened the PDP and helped the ruling All Progressives Congress win..
Party elders are worried. Youth groups are complaining. Long-time loyalists feel sidelined.
In Nigerian politics, silent complaints often signal deeper trouble ahead.
Questions About Internal Division
There are now growing discussions about whether there are people inside the PDP working against the party’s success.
Some believe the quick acceptance of Pantami and the sidelining of other aspirants may create division that could eventually benefit the APC.
They argue that Pantami brings national recognition, religious support, youth appeal, and strong political influence that could help the PDP challenge the ruling party.
There is some truth in that argument.
Pantami is a well-known figure with political visibility that many local politicians cannot easily match.
While APC supporters publicly mock the PDP, many are privately concerned.
Pantami’s exit from the APC exposed cracks within the ruling party.
Some of his supporters felt disappointed by how events unfolded and believe he was unfairly pushed aside.
Many APC supporters now face divided loyalties — still committed to the party but personally loyal to Pantami.
That could become politically dangerous.
This is the biggest question.
Pantami has popularity and influence, but governorship elections are not won by social media popularity alone.
The APC still controls government structures, local political networks, financial strength, and the advantage of incumbency.
To win, Pantami must do more than attract attention.
He must unite the PDP, settle internal disagreements, connect with rural communities, and convince voters that he is fully committed to the party.
The APC will likely continue reminding voters that Pantami once strongly defended them and criticised the PDP.
That message could become a major campaign weapon.
One political reality remains clear: no serious candidate can ignore Gombe South.
The zone remains politically sensitive and highly influential.
Any party that fails to manage local interests there could lose significant support.
Both APC and PDP are expected to focus heavily on winning support in the area.
The PDP’s biggest problem may not be the APC.
Its greatest danger could come from internal bitterness.
If party leaders fail to reconcile aggrieved members early, silent sabotage could begin before campaigns even start.
And in Nigerian politics, silent sabotage is often more damaging than open opposition.
The APC remains stronger in structure.
The PDP has become more politically competitive because of Pantami.
Internal unity may matter more than popularity.
Gombe South could again decide the election.
Religion, loyalty, emotions, and political strategy may shape the outcome more than ideology.
One thing is certain: the 2027 governorship election in Gombe will be tough, emotional, and highly competitive.
At the centre of it all is Isa Ali Pantami — a former APC defender now carrying the hopes of the PDP.
Whether he becomes the man who revives the PDP or the one whose emergence deepens its crisis will only be known in 2027.
