14 candidates jostle for governorship seat in Gombe
By Chima Azubuike
No fewer than 14 candidates have been confirmed to be jostling for the governorship seat in Gombe, ahead of 2023 gubernatorial election.
Confirming this development during Stakeholders meeting on preparations for the 2023 general elections, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Gombe Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, disclosed this was following the publication of the final list of candidates by the Commission on 20th September and 4th October, 2022.
He added that about 336 candidates would be participating in the polls, including the 14 persons involved governorship quest.
Ibrahim said, “for the National and State elections respectively, a total of 336 Candidates consisting of 14 Governorship, 33 Senatorial, 62 House of Representatives and 227 State House of Assembly candidates will be contesting the elections in Gombe State. The elections will be conducted in the 2,988 Polling Units (PUs) across the 114 Registration Areas in the State.”
While expressing optimism to free, fair, credible, peaceful, all-inclusive and accountable elections, Ibrahim urged political parties for collaboration, describing it as product of concerted efforts by all stakeholders. “I urge you to play your role conscientiously and responsibly as patriotic citizens of our dear nation.”
“44 days from now, the good people of Gombe State will be going to the polls to elect the President and members of the National Assembly of their choice on 25th February. Likewise, they will elect the Governor and 24 members of the State House of Assembly of their choice two weeks later on 11th March,” Ibrahim added.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Police Oqua Etim, urged politicians to play by the rules, stressing that no one would be allowed to cause chaos.
Etim called political office holders to prevail on their supporters to eschew violence, “and embrace peace then he will have a free and credible election. We can’t continue maiming ourselves, they should work in a civilised manner.”
He predicted that the electoral process would be peaceful, with the support of key stakeholders in the state.
