2027 Poll: Pantami Allies Allege Victimisation As Gombe Mega Park Evicts Gombawa Motors

The eviction of Gombawa Motors Nigeria Limited from the Ibrahim Dankwambo Mega Park in Gombe State has ignited controversy, with supporters of the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party , PDP ,  Professor Isa Ali Pantami  are alleging political persecution, while park authorities insist the action was solely based on operational infractions.

The transport company was issued a 24-hour quit notice on June 25, 2026, in a letter signed by the Managing Director of Principal Facilities Management Limited, Mayo Ani, directing it to vacate the state-owned facility.

According to the notice, the decision was reached by the Mega Park Management Committee following what it described as persistent violations of the park’s operational regulations, non-compliance with management directives, and complaints lodged by other transport operators.

The development, however, occurred barely two days after Gombawa Motors openly aligned with Pantami’s political movement ahead of the 2027 governorship race, fuelling speculation that the action may have been politically motivated.

Chairman of Gombawa Motors, Alhaji Ibrahim Mustafa, dismissed the allegations of misconduct, insisting that the company had always complied with directives issued by the management of the Mega Park.

Mustafa said the dispute intensified after some of the firm’s buses were hired by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for political engagements, noting that leasing vehicles to political parties, corporate organisations and private individuals forms part of the company’s legitimate business operations.

He maintained that Gombawa Motors had never previously endorsed any political figure but reserved the constitutional right to associate with and support any political cause it considered appropriate.

“We are businessmen, not law enforcement agents. Hiring out our buses is a commercial service available to everyone. The Constitution guarantees our freedom of association and political choice,” he said.

He further revealed that the company had repeatedly complied with relocation directives within the Mega Park over the years, a process he said cost the organisation millions of naira.

According to him, the decision by more than 2,000 drivers under the Gombawa Motors platform to identify with Pantami’s movement was reached collectively and should not attract punitive measures.

Supporters of Pantami described the eviction as an assault on democratic freedoms, arguing that public infrastructure should not be weaponised against businesses or citizens because of their political leanings.

They contended that if commercial operators begin to suffer consequences for exercising their rights to political participation, it could create an atmosphere of fear and discourage open democratic engagement in the state.

But the Chairman of Gombe Mega Park, Dr. Sani Sabo, rejected claims of political interference, maintaining that the management acted strictly within its administrative mandate.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, Sabo confirmed that Gombawa Motors had been removed from the facility following repeated breaches of operational guidelines over an extended period despite several warnings and engagements aimed at resolving the issues.

He insisted that the same rules apply to every transport company operating within the Mega Park, regardless of ownership, influence or political affiliation.

“The decision was purely administrative and should not be interpreted through a political lens. We have regulations that govern activities within the park, and every operator is expected to abide by them. Several warnings were issued, but there was no satisfactory compliance,” Sabo said.

He added that consistent enforcement of operational standards remains essential to maintaining order, fairness and efficiency in the management of the state’s flagship transport facility.

The incident has nevertheless deepened political conversations in Gombe ahead of the 2027 elections, with observers divided over whether the timing of the eviction was merely coincidental or reflective of broader political undercurrents.

While Gombawa Motors and Pantami’s supporters insist that constitutional rights are under threat, the park authorities maintain that the action represents nothing more than the enforcement of established regulations.