The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has welcomed two local government chairmen from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Kwami and Nafada areas.
The defectors, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Yayayi of Kwami and Alhaji Yusuf Isa Jigawa of Nafada, formally joined the APC after separate meetings with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli.
According to the statement, the meetings were facilitated by Senator Usman Bayero Nafada, Coordinating Patron of the Gombe APC Campaign Council.
Misilli said the two former PDP chairmen had submitted their resignation letters to their respective ward chairmen, thereby formally ending their membership of the opposition party.
He said the defectors also pledged to bring their political structures, grassroots networks, mobilisation machinery and supporters into the APC to strengthen the party’s presence in their respective local government areas.
The statement added that during their separate engagements with the governor, the former PDP chieftains commended his leadership and expressed their readiness to contribute to the growth of the APC and its electoral fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming them into the ruling party, Governor Yahaya expressed confidence that their decision to join the APC would further strengthen its political structures in Kwami and Nafada and expand its grassroots support base.
The governor also expressed optimism that their political experience, influence and mobilisation capacity would add significant value to the party’s efforts to consolidate its position across the state.
Misilli said the development reflected the growing confidence in the leadership of Governor Yahaya and the APC in Gombe State as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What You Should Know
Two local government chapter chairmen of the PDP in Gombe State have resigned and switched allegiance to the ruling APC after meeting with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. The defectors promised to bring their grassroots supporters and political structures into the ruling party to boost its strength ahead of the upcoming general elections.
- Positive Impact: The defection strengthens the APC’s grassroots presence and political consolidation in Kwami and Nafada local government areas.
- Potential Concerns: This move further weakens the opposition PDP structure in Gombe State, reducing political competition and shifting the local balance of power significantly.
