A coalition, Gombe State Unity Alliance Movement, has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of Engineer Abubakar Bappah, urging that the next governor of the state should emerge from the southern senatorial district.
Bappah is immediate past Gombe State commissioner for Works. He was appointed to the board of Federal Road Maintenance Agency.
Our correspondent reports that Gombe North has produced former governors Abubakar Hashidu, Hassan Dankwambo, as well as the incumbent governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, while Gombe Central produced former Governor Danjuma Goje, leaving Gombe South as the only zone yet to produce a governor.
The group, comprising political stakeholders, elders, women and youths drawn from the three senatorial zones, made its position known during a solidarity visit to Bappah at his residence in the GRA area of Gombe on Saturday.
The visit, according to the coalition, was also to convey Sallah greetings and formally encourage him to contest the governorship seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its convener, Barrister Ali Garba, described Bappah as a capable leader with the competence to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration.
He said, “Engineer Abubakar Bappah is a competent and visionary leader with the capacity to sustain and build on the achievements of the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.”
Garba added that Bappah’s experience and grassroots appeal positioned him as a strong contender for the state’s top seat.
He further argued that equity demands a shift in power to Gombe South, noting that the district has yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation.
“The time has come to ensure equity and fairness through inclusive political representation,” he stated.
Leaders from the other senatorial districts also pledged their support for the aspiration.
A representative from Gombe North, Alhaji Baba Buba Kawuwa, alongside stakeholders from Gombe Central and South, including Engineer Benjamin Abner Mamman and Hon. Christopher Tal, assured of their readiness to mobilise support across the state.
They said they would commit resources and grassroots structures to ensure the success of Bappah’s ambition.
Responding, Bappah appreciated the delegation for the visit and their endorsement, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership.
He said, “I appreciate this overwhelming show of support. It is a strong vote of confidence in my leadership.”
The governorship hopeful confirmed his intention to contest in the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead the state effectively.
“I have the requisite experience, capacity, and vision to lead the state,” he said.
Bappah also reiterated the call for power rotation, stressing that allowing Gombe South to produce the next governor would promote justice and political balance.
He added that he was confident the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya would ensure a fair and credible process.
“The governor’s sense of fairness will guide the process in ensuring the emergence of a credible candidaGroup endorses Bappah for Gombe governorship, advocates power shift to South,” he added.
