The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe state has settled for Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna, a former Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.
The decision was reached at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday and presided over by the party leader in the state and governor of Gombe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Party insiders said the meeting, which drew participation from key stakeholders, including party executives and elected officials, unanimously endorsed Gwamna as the party’s preferred flagbearer ahead of the polls.
The gathering also ratified consensus candidates for other key positions, including the three senatorial districts, six House of Representatives seats and all 24 state House of Assembly constituencies.
As part of the resolutions, Governor Yahaya was endorsed for the Gombe North senatorial district, while DCP Ahmed Jarman Deba emerged for Gombe Central. Hon. Jerry Damara was adopted for Gombe South senatorial district.
For the House of Representatives, the party selected Hon. Fatima Binta Bello for Kaltungo/Shongom, Hon. Ali Isa JC for Billiri/Balanga, and Hon. Sadam Bello for Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye. Hon. Jamilu Shabewa was picked for Dukku/Nafada, Inuwa Garba for Yamaltu/Deba, and Hon. Usman Bello Kumo for Akko Federal Constituency.
However, notable political figures were absent from the meeting. Those not in attendance included the Minister of Transport, Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, both of whom are believed to be aspirants for the governorship seat, as well as Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, who currently represents Gombe Central senatorial district.
Their absence has fueled political speculation within party circles, with observers suggesting it may reflect ongoing consultations and differing interests ahead of the party’s final alignments.
Party sources, however, maintained that the consensus arrangement was designed to strengthen unity and minimise internal disputes, noting that consultations were still ongoing to ensure inclusiveness across all blocs of the APC in the state.
The move signals an early consolidation strategy by the ruling party as it prepares for what is expected to be a competitive 2027 electoral contest in Gombe state.