Gombe 2027: As APC seeks Governor Yahaya’s successor

Politics in Gombe State has, like in many other states across Nigeria, travelled a winding path shaped by political intrigues, debates over fairness, and the delicate balance of power rotation. Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, leadership in the state has reflected these underlying calculations. At the dawn of the Fourth Republic, power […]

Politics in Gombe State has, like in many other states across Nigeria, travelled a winding path shaped by political intrigues, debates over fairness, and the delicate balance of power rotation. Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, leadership in the state has reflected these underlying calculations.

At the dawn of the Fourth Republic, power resided in Gombe North, which produced the late Abubakar Habu Hashidu under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Hashidu served a single four-year term but lost his re-election bid in 2003 to Senator Danjuma Goje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who hailed from Gombe Central. Goje went on to serve two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2011, consolidating PDP’s influence in the state during that period.

Following Goje’s tenure, power returned to Gombe North with the emergence of his preferred successor, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo. Dankwambo governed the state from 2011 to 2019, also serving two uninterrupted terms. His second term was particularly notable as he survived the political wave of 2015, often described as the “Buhari tsunami”, which swept through much of Northern Nigeria and displaced numerous PDP governors.

By 2019, the political tide in Gombe shifted when the All Progressives Congress (APC) captured the state through the victory of Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. In the 2023 elections, Governor Yahaya successfully defended his seat, defeating his closest challenger, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje’s political ally, Senator Bayero Nafada.

Yet analysts believe one of the most consequential political miscalculations during the 2023 elections was the APC’s apparent disregard for zoning considerations when presenting candidates.

Today, the emerging lineup of aspirants reflects a similar pattern. Out of the eight names, frequently mentioned in political conversations, six are from Gombe Local Government Area: Architect Yunusa Yakubu, Dr. Abdulsalam Yahaya Ahmed, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, Aminu Yuguda, Umar Kwairanga, and Dr. Jamilu Ishyaku Gwamna. The remaining two; Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali and Dr. Bello Maigari, hail from Dukku Local Government Area. But, notably, all of them are from Gombe North Senatorial District.

This lineup of aspirants complicates any attempt by the APC to apply zoning principles to the next governorship contest, since the leading aspirants are clustered within the same senatorial district.

Against this backdrop, the question of who eventually succeeds Governor Inuwa Yahaya is becoming increasingly complex. Political discourse across the state has intensified, with analysts weighing various permutations, from zoning considerations to administrative competence and political acceptability.

Governor Yahaya’s administration has, by many accounts, reshaped the physical and social landscape of Gombe State. His tenure has witnessed significant infrastructural development and deliberate efforts to foster ethnic and religious harmony. Over time, Gombe State has come to be regarded as a model of relative peace and stability in a region often challenged by insecurity and political tensions.

The concern among many observers, however, is that the progress recorded over the last seven years could be jeopardised if the wrong successor emerges. It, therefore, goes without saying that the sustainability of the governor’s legacy rests heavily on the choice of a capable candidate who can consolidate the gains already made.

For the APC, navigating this critical moment requires careful judgment. Any aspirant seeking to inherit the mantle must demonstrate a clear vision for the future of the state, an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the party, and the capacity to connect meaningfully with the electorate. Beyond these qualities, the candidate must possess a credible track record and the political dexterity required to navigate the complex terrain of the state’s politics.

Perhaps most importantly, the eventual candidate must command broad acceptability across various segments of the state. Balancing the expectations of diverse stakeholders, including the incumbent governor, party leaders, and the general populace, will be crucial. While this balancing act may appear straightforward, in reality it often determines whether a successor becomes a faithful custodian of a political legacy or a disruptive force working at cross purposes with established priorities.

Already, several aspirants have begun positioning themselves within the APC, suggesting that the governor’s legacy has attracted significant interest among influential political actors. While some have openly shown interest, others are still keeping their ambitions close to their chest even as their supporters quietly mobilise.

Among the names frequently mentioned in political discussions is Architect Yunusa Yakubu, whose professional background in infrastructure development has earned him recognition in public and private circles. His profile fits the mould of a technocratic candidate at a time when development planning and urban growth are increasingly central to governance.

Dr. Abdulsalam Yahaya Ahmed is another figure attracting attention in the unfolding political calculations. Known for prioritising local investment and development, he has remained closely associated with initiatives aimed at expanding housing and economic opportunities within the state. His experience in federal institutions and regional development agencies has also contributed to his growing visibility within the political landscape.

Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, the current Minister of Transportation, represents another formidable presence in the conversation. Having served as senator representing Gombe North before his ministerial appointment, Alkali commands considerable influence both within the state and at the national level. His position within the federal cabinet further strengthens his political standing.

The name of Aminu Yuguda, the current Accountant-General of Gombe State, is also beginning to feature in political discussions. His role within the financial architecture of the state government gives him a deep understanding of the administrative structure and policy direction of the current administration.

Similarly, Dr. Jamilu Ishyaku Gwamna has attracted attention following his recent activities within the APC. His visible participation in party programmes and engagement with grassroots supporters have strengthened speculation that he may eventually join the contest.

A repeatedly mentioned is Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Pantami’s reputation as an academic and public administrator has earned him considerable support among segments of the electorate who favour a technocratic approach to governance.

With such a wide array of prominent figures linked to the race, the APC finds itself in the unusual position of being spoilt for choice. Managing these ambitions in a manner that preserves party unity will, therefore, be crucial as the 2027 political cycle gradually takes shape.

A smooth and transparent primary process could yield significant advantages for the party. When candidates emerge from primaries with minimal rancour, the opposition is left with fewer internal divisions to exploit. In politics, perception often shapes reality, and a united party projecting harmony and purpose can generate strong momentum for its eventual candidate. Internal disagreements that spill into the public domain often distract from substantive campaign issues and risk undermining voter confidence.

For this reason, many observers believe the APC must draw lessons from previous political experiences by prioritising consultation, inclusivity and consensus-building. Doing so would enable the party to present a united front ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Ultimately, the challenge before the APC is clear. It must manage the ambitions of several capable contenders.

For the ruling party in the state, getting the decision wrong is hardly an option. The coming months will therefore reveal whether the APC can successfully balance internal competition with the broader objective of safeguarding its political future in Gombe State while sustaining the progress recorded under the current administration.

 

Musa resides at Tudun Wada Gombe and can be reached via [email protected]