Stakeholders and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State on Monday described the party’s ongoing senatorial primary elections as peaceful, transparent and reflective of internal democracy, while calling on members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Our correspondent reports that former Governor Danjuma Goje, who currently represents Gombe Central Senatorial District, was absent during the exercise, while Gombe South aspirant, Bilyaminu Babadidi, was allegedly expelled from the party over alleged gross misconduct.
Babadidi was expelled in a letter dated May 5 and signed by Wilson Dabara, Chairman Tanglang ward.
Speaking shortly after monitoring the exercise in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Bello Kumo, described the process as “fulfilling” and a demonstration of democracy in action.
“It’s fulfilling, very fulfilling because it is democracy in action. People are exercising their constitutional rights of selecting who is going to represent them as flag bearer of the party,” he said.
Kumo noted that the process had remained peaceful and rancour-free despite political competition among aspirants.
“Whenever you have two or three people aspiring for one position, there will be some level of competition. Some people will use different tactics to emerge successful, but we see it as a game. There is no bitterness or hard feelings,” he stated.
He urged party members to close ranks after the primaries and work together for the success of the APC in the general elections.
“I am calling on members of the party to look at this process as a game without rancour or bitterness. At the end of the day, we must become a formidable force to face the opposition parties,” he added.
Also speaking, Gombe Central Senatorial aspirant, Mohammed Ahmed, described the exercise in Deba as peaceful and orderly.
“Everything is normal as if it is a normal day. There has been no incident and by God’s grace there will be none,” he said.
Ahmed expressed optimism about his chances, saying the people of Deba were enthusiastic about having representation in the National Assembly.
“They are happy. God’s time has come and to God be the glory,” he said, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for promoting peace and inclusiveness in the state.
“The atmosphere of peace is as a result of the governor’s approach to governance and humanity,” he added.
Member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, Inuwa Garba, said the enthusiasm among party supporters reflected the aspirations of the people.
“The tempo and the scenario are very encouraging because of the yearnings and aspirations of the people. For a very long time, we have been missing something very significant in the life of the people of the entire Yamaltu/Deba constituency,” he said.
Garba expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious both in the primaries and the general election.
“The governor and the government of Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya are doing well and it speaks for itself. The only thing we need is unity so we can continue the good work,” he stated.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who is also an aspirant for the Gombe North Senatorial seat, said reports reaching him from across the state indicated that the exercise was peaceful.
“Like the previous primaries conducted for the House of Representatives, everywhere is calm and peaceful,” he said.
The governor explained that although he was the sole aspirant in his zone, he attended the exercise personally to appreciate party members for their support.
“I decided to come and see for myself and thank the people for the overwhelming support they have for me and for the APC,” he said.
Yahaya urged all contestants to abide by party rules and maintain peace.
“As far as I am concerned, all contestants are APC members. For me, there is no victor and no vanquished,” he added.
Similarly, Gombe South Senatorial aspirant under the APC, Jerry Damara, appreciated party members and supporters for their massive turnout during the primaries held in Shongom Local Government Area.
Speaking after casting his vote at Kulishin, Damara commended party loyalists for their peaceful participation in the exercise.
He also thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the confidence reposed in him, assuring that he would justify the trust if elected in the general election.
Damara disclosed that he had already embarked on several community development projects, including the drilling of boreholes and other humanitarian interventions across the constituency.
He called on other aspirants who contested in the primaries to close ranks and work together for the success of the APC.
Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Gombe State, Mohammed Danjuma Ndus, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections.
According to him, the exercise was peacefully conducted across all wards and was transparent and credible.
