Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, a former aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially walked away from the party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hamma Saleh, who contested the PDP governorship ticket against former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, announced his decision in a press release made available to journalists in Gombe.
He also called on his supporters across the state to join him in the APC and support the party’s candidates at all levels of government.
The defection comes amid political realignments in Gombe State as parties and aspirants begin to consolidate their positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hamma Saleh’s move is particularly significant given the protracted dispute over the PDP governorship ticket, which saw Pantami’s initial primary election challenged in court and a subsequent rerun conducted.
His exit from the PDP could further shape political alignments in the state as the opposition party grapples with internal challenges ahead of the polls.
The former aspirant urged his supporters to rally behind the APC, signalling his decision to join forces with the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming electoral contest.
What You Should Know
Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh’s decision to leave the PDP for the APC marks a major political shift in Gombe State ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Having previously contested the PDP ticket, his departure and call for supporters to follow him to the ruling party could significantly weaken the opposition’s footing while strengthening the APC’s structure in the region.
- Political Realignment: The defection reshapes the political landscape in Gombe State, potentially altering power dynamics and party influence ahead of the polls.
- Opposition Challenges: It poses a fresh hurdle for the PDP as it struggles to maintain internal cohesion and retain high-profile members following past primary disputes.
