Gombe Coalition Dumps Opposition for APC

A coalition of stakeholders drawn from opposition political parties in Gombe State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and the governorship ambition of Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defectors, comprising members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP), announced their decision after what they described as a comprehensive review of developments within their respective political parties, particularly the conduct and outcomes of recent primary elections.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, Prof. Sulaiman Dankande, Nura Abba, Abdullah Amtai, Dedan Mela and Murtala Usman Dukku said the group had unanimously resolved to align with the APC and mobilise support for both President Tinubu and Gwamna.

The stakeholders said their decision was informed by the need to identify with what they described as a more viable political platform capable of advancing development and addressing the aspirations of the people of Gombe State.

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According to them, internal developments within their former parties had diminished confidence among members and supporters, prompting consultations that eventually led to the decision to join the ruling party.

They expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu, noting that ongoing reforms and policy initiatives by the Federal Government would yield positive outcomes for Nigerians in the long term.

The coalition also threw its weight behind Dr. Gwamna’s governorship aspiration, describing him as a leader with the vision and capacity to drive development and provide effective governance in Gombe State.

The defectors pledged to work with APC leaders and supporters across the state to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures ahead of future political contests.

Political observers view the development as a significant boost for the APC in Gombe, where political alignments and realignments are already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The move is also expected to generate reactions from the affected opposition parties, which may seek to reassure members and prevent further defections.

While the coalition did not disclose the exact number of members involved, its leaders insisted that the defection represented a broad spectrum of stakeholders from various local government areas of the state.

The APC has continued to attract members from opposition parties across different parts of the country as political actors reposition themselves ahead of the next election cycle.

With more than a year before formal campaign activities commence, analysts believe political alliances, defections and consultations will continue to shape the landscape of the 2027 elections.

The latest development underscores the growing intensity of political calculations in Gombe State as parties and aspirants begin laying the groundwork for future electoral contests.