by Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
As the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gathers momentum across Nigeria, Gombe State has once again signaled its unwavering loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The state, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is positioning itself not merely as a supporter of the party, but as one of its strongest political fortresses in the North-East.
The mood was unmistakable on Saturday at Jekadafari Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, where party faithful trooped out in large numbers during the APC Presidential Primary Election.
The gathering transformed into more than a routine political exercise; it became a show of strength, unity and confidence in the APC-led administration at both the state and federal levels.
Addressing party members after participating in the exercise, Governor Inuwa Yahaya declared that Gombe State remains a “sure banker” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
His remarks reflected the growing determination within the state chapter of the party to consolidate its influence and maintain its electoral dominance.
The governor, visibly encouraged by the massive turnout of supporters, described the participation of women, youths and elderly citizens as evidence of the people’s enduring trust in the APC government.
According to him, the enthusiasm displayed at the ward level mirrored similar developments across the state’s local government areas.
For many political observers in Gombe, the event underscored the strategic importance of the state in the APC’s calculations ahead of 2027.
Since assuming office, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has steadily strengthened the party’s grassroots structures while projecting Gombe as one of the most politically stable states in the region.
Saturday’s exercise appeared to reinforce that narrative.
Governor Yahaya used the occasion to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the President’s commitment, support and goodwill toward Gombe State.
He assured that the people of the state would reciprocate through overwhelming electoral support when Nigerians return to the polls in 2027.
“The mammoth crowd I witnessed this morning here in my ward, made up of youths, women and the elderly, rallying behind Mr President, is a clear testimony that Jekadafari Ward, and indeed Gombe State, stands solidly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor stated.
Beyond the symbolism of the turnout, the figures released after the exercise further strengthened the APC’s confidence.
The Presiding Officer for the ward, Malam Yahaya Ibrahim, announced that out of 25,627 registered APC members in Jekadafari Ward, a total of 21,096 members were accredited, while 21,093 votes were recorded in support of President Tinubu.
The impressive numbers immediately became a talking point among party supporters, many of whom described the exercise as an indication of the APC’s deep-rooted popularity in the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who also served as the APC Presidential Primary Election Coordinator and Collation Officer in Gombe State, expressed optimism that President Tinubu would consolidate on the achievements of his first term if re-elected.
He maintained that the administration’s policies and reforms would continue to yield dividends for Nigerians.
The exercise also drew commendation from the governor for the orderly conduct displayed by stakeholders involved in the process.
He praised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the APC Primary Election Committees, civil society groups, security agencies and media practitioners for contributing to a peaceful and credible exercise.
Adding political weight to the event was the presence of the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, alongside other senior party stakeholders and thousands of supporters who converged on the venue in a show of solidarity.
As the road to 2027 begins to take shape, the developments in Gombe suggest that the APC is determined to retain its grip on the state while strengthening support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
For Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the APC faithful in Gombe, Saturday’s primary was not just about votes; it was a public reaffirmation of political loyalty, party unity and the ambition to remain a decisive force in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
