Ex-Gombe North Senator Bayero Nafada Quits PDP After Meeting APC Leaders

Former Senator representing Gombe North Senatorial District and ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Usman Bayero Nafada, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He cited the party’s lingering internal crisis and leadership disputes.

Nafada, also a former PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, announced his decision in a resignation letter dated July 12, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Nafada East Ward, Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The letter, seen by LEADERSHIP, was acknowledged by the ward chairman on July 13, 2026.

In the letter titled “Letter of Resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)”, Nafada said his decision followed a comprehensive review and assessment of recent developments within the opposition party.

“Following a comprehensive review and assessment of recent political developments within the PDP, particularly the internal crises which has led to factionalization and conflicting claims of leadership,” he wrote.

The former senator stated that he was resigning from the party with immediate effect. “I hereby write formally to notify you of my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter read.

Despite his decision to leave, Nafada expressed appreciation to the PDP for providing him with the platform through which he built his political career over the past two decades.

“I wish to appreciate the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for providing me with the platform upon which I build a solid political structure for the past two decades. I remain deeply grateful to all for the trust, support and opportunities accorded to me.”

Nafada served as Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, and later represented Gombe North Senatorial District in the Senate. He also flew the PDP flag in the 2019 Gombe State governorship election after previously serving in the National Assembly under both the ANPP and APC before aligning with the PDP.

His resignation came barely a day after the National APC Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence alongside Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, and Arc. Yunusa Yakubu.

After the visit, Nentawe said their discussions focused on unity, peace, stability, and the future of Gombe State, stressing that leaders have a shared responsibility to work together regardless of political affiliation. He added that the progress of Gombe State must always come before partisan considerations, while reaffirming their commitment to building bridges that would strengthen democracy and advance the state’s development.

Nafada, however, is yet to officially announce his next political destination or formally declare for any party, despite the indications that he may be heading to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).