2027: Yahaya Backs Gombe Central Seat Rotation, Challenges Goje

Political tension is mounting in Gombe Central ahead of the 2027 elections as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has thrown his weight behind growing calls to rotate the senatorial seat to Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, a move widely seen as a direct challenge to the dominance of Senator Danjuma Goje.

The governor gave the indication when he received a delegation from Akko Local Government Area at the Government House, Gombe, where stakeholders endorsed the agitation for power shift between the councils sharing the seat.

This is a turning point in the unfolding political equation, as Akko—long considered the stronghold of the current senator—publicly aligned with Yamaltu/Deba’s demand after holding the seat for over a decade and a half.

Governor Yahaya praised the people of Akko for what he described as political maturity and brotherhood, assuring that their position would be tabled to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress for consideration.

He stressed that political decisions in the state would continue to be guided by justice and unity, while reiterating his role as a custodian of the people’s collective interest.

The governor criticized the senator, alleging his failure to support the presidential bid of the APC in his own polling unit in 2023 polls.

The political significance of the Akko delegation’s position was further underscored by endorsements from top political figures, including the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, and federal lawmaker, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, both of whom backed the proposed zoning arrangement.

The delegation featured a lineup of political figures from Akko, including the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, alongside several other top party stakeholders, traditional rulers and grassroots leaders.

Traditional rulers, including the Lamido of Akko, Emir of Pindiga and Lamido of Gona, also lent their voices to the call for power-sharing, pledging to support any decision taken by the Governor in the interest of stability.

The development follows an earlier visit by stakeholders from Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, who had formally presented their demand for the senatorial seat to be zoned to their area, arguing that equity demands a shift after years of Akko’s dominance.

However, the push has not gone unchallenged, as pro-Goje supporters have also rallied behind the senator, insisting that the lawmaker has provided quality representation and deserves continued backing.