Inuwa Yahaya Backs Gwamna for 2027 Gombe Governorship, Blocks Goje Senate Bid

Governor Inuwa Yahaya has firmly positioned his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 political cycle in Gombe State, effectively reshaping the state’s political landscape. At a recent stakeholders’ gathering, the governor endorsed Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the governorship race, while simultaneously shutting down the possibility of Senator Danjuma Goje securing another Senate ticket.

This development marks a significant turning point in the long-standing rivalry between Inuwa Yahaya and Danjuma Goje, a political tension that has persisted since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections. Goje, who has served four terms in the Senate and was seeking re-election, had recently joined a delegation of lawmakers to meet with President Bola Tinubu in a bid to secure automatic tickets for incumbents. However, the request did not receive approval, further weakening his chances within the party structure.

In a coordinated move, the APC also unveiled a list of consensus candidates for other key positions across the state. Mohammed Ahmadu Deba has been selected for Gombe Central Senatorial District, while Jerry Damara is slated for Gombe South. Governor Inuwa Yahaya himself is positioned to contest the Gombe North Senate seat, signaling his transition from the executive arm to the legislature.

For the House of Representatives, the party has lined up several candidates across constituencies. These include Usman Bello Kumo for Akko, Inuwa Garba for Yamaltu/Deba, Ali Isa for Balanga/Billiri, Fatima Binta Bello for Kaltungo/Shongom, Saddam Bello for Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye, and Jamilu Shabewa for Dukku/Nafada. The coordinated selection reflects a strategic effort by the party to consolidate influence and maintain internal cohesion ahead of the elections.

Despite the structured consensus arrangement, not all party figures are aligned with the decision. Sheikh Isa Pantami, a former minister and one-time governorship aspirant, has openly rejected the consensus outcome, introducing an element of uncertainty and signaling possible internal dissent.

As the APC prepares to rally behind its selected candidates, more reactions are expected from key stakeholders and political actors within the state. The unfolding situation underscores the dynamic and often contentious nature of party politics in Gombe, as alliances shift and ambitions collide in the lead-up to 2027.