Gombe Opposition Leaders Defect To APC, Back Gwamna

A coalition of opposition stakeholders in Gombe State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the governorship ambition of the party’s 2027 candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.

In a press statement by Gwamna’s media aide, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, the defectors, drawn from major opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP), announced their decision during a visit to Dr. Gwamna in Gombe on Monday, citing his leadership qualities, integrity, and growing popularity across the state.

Leading the group were political figures such as Professor Sulaiman Dankande, a PDP stakeholder; Hon. Nura Abba, Assistant State Organising Secretary of the PDP; Hon. Abdullah Amtai, ADC State Organising Secretary; Hon. Dedan Mela, former Executive Chairman of Billiri Local Government Area; and Hon. Murtala Usman Dukku, former Public Relations Officer of the PDP State Executive.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the stakeholders said their decision was driven by a desire to support a leader they believe possesses the vision and capacity to move Gombe State forward.

“Our decision to join the APC is informed by the need to support a leader who has the capacity, integrity and clear direction for the future of Gombe State. We are fully committed to supporting Dr. Gwamna to victory in the 2027 elections,” they stated.

Responding, Dr. Gwamna welcomed the new members and described their defection as a significant step toward strengthening efforts aimed at advancing the state’s development agenda.

He commended the stakeholders for what he described as a courageous and patriotic decision, assuring them that their contributions would be valuable in building a more prosperous future for the people of Gombe State.

“This decision shows your commitment to the development of Gombe State. I assure you that together, we will work to deliver progress and good governance for our people,” Gwamna said.