With less than a year to the 2027 general elections, political activities are gathering momentum in Gombe State as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares to defend its dominance against opposition parties seeking 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 2027 governorship contest could 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 securing 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 his support for the PDP candidate. A retired senior military officer from Gombe South has also joined the party.
Political observers believe the defections could strengthen the PDP’s grassroots presence and broaden its appeal across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Pantami Seen As Main Opposition Figure
Interviews conducted by Daily Trust with residents in parts of Gombe metropolis indicate that many now view Pantami as the opposition figure with the strongest capacity to challenge the APC.
Some respondents argued that dissatisfaction with aspects of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration could influence voter behaviour in favour of the opposition.
Others, however, maintained that the APC governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, enjoys widespread acceptance because of his political experience and personal profile. They argued that many voters may distinguish between their assessment of the outgoing administration and their perception of the APC candidate.
Political analyst Abdul Sani cautioned that such views represent opinions expressed by individuals during interviews and should not be interpreted as reflecting the position of the wider electorate.
APC Retains Structural Advantage
Despite renewed opposition activities, 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 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 undermine its electoral advantage.
ADC Faces Uphill Battle
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, including Ya’u Hamza and Inusa Abdullahi, described Tinka as an experienced politician with administrative competence, others argued that his previous association with the APC administration could make it difficult for him to convince voters seeking a clear political alternative.
Although the ADC has gained national visibility through ongoing opposition coalition efforts, internal disagreements at both the national and state levels continue to raise questions about its preparedness for the 2027 governorship contest.
Political observers believe the party must significantly strengthen its grassroots structures and expand its support base if it hopes to compete effectively with the APC and PDP.
APC Ward Executives Quit As Realignment Intensifies
Meanwhile, the 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 of the ruling party.
Their resignation letters, both dated July 27, 2026, were addressed to the Secretary of the APC in Pantami Ward, with each stating that the decision took immediate effect.
In his letter, Ngalda said he reached the decision after extensive consultations with his family and careful personal reflection.
“I have decided to resign as Ward Chairman and withdraw my membership of the APC with immediate effect,” he stated, while appealing to the party leadership to respect his decision.
Gololo, in a separate letter, also announced his resignation as the party’s Legal Adviser and his withdrawal from the APC, similarly citing consultations with his family. He expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunity to serve and urged its leadership to accept his resignation in good faith.
Both former officials thanked APC leaders at the ward, local government, state and national levels for the confidence reposed in them during their tenure. They also commended the Gombe State Government for the support and cooperation they received during their time in office.
Despite their departure, Ngalda and Gololo said they continued to hold the party and its leadership in high regard, wishing the APC continued progress and success.
Neither official disclosed his next political destination or indicated whether he intended to join another party.
Gololo’s resignation came barely a day after Ngalda stepped down, fuelling speculation about emerging political realignments within the APC in Pantami Ward.
The twin resignations come as political parties across Gombe State continue to witness defections and shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts note that the departure of two senior ward officials within a short period could affect the APC’s grassroots structure in Pantami, although the party has yet to issue an official response.
Expert’s View
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 strongest challenge to the ruling party.
“The APC still has a clear advantage because of its structure and incumbency, but Professor Pantami cannot be dismissed. He has attracted significant public attention and enjoys support among people who desire a different style of leadership,” he said.
According to him, public perception of the outgoing administration could ultimately play a significant role in determining the outcome of the election.
Road To 2027
Observers agree that the PDP remains Gombe’s strongest opposition platform, with experienced politicians and supporters spread across the state.
However, years of internal disputes and defections have weakened its organisational cohesion.
Similarly, the ADC continues to expand its membership but still faces the challenges of internal divisions and limited grassroots presence.
Analysts say 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 presenting its candidate to voters will be critical to preserving its dominance.
While the ruling party begins the race as the favourite because of its incumbency and well-established political machinery, analysts caution that Nigerian elections are often shaped by changing political dynamics, campaign momentum and voter turnout.
For now, the APC holds the advantage, but with campaigns yet to reach full momentum, the political landscape remains fluid and the outcome of the 2027 governorship election is far from settled.
