The spokesperson for Dr. Jamil Gwamna, Ibrahim Shawai, has described the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, as no match for his principal in terms of political relationships, grassroots structures and experience ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
Shawai made the assertion in a statement issued on Saturday, titled, “2027: Pantami Is No Match for Sardauna’s Integrity in Gombe Politics.”
He argued that political influence was built over time through relationships, trust, grassroots engagement and sustained investment in people, rather than academic credentials, social media popularity or the excitement generated by securing a party ticket.
According to him, Gwamna, popularly known as the Sardaunan Gombe, has spent more than two decades building relationships and political networks across the state.
“Politics is not built in a day. It is not simply about academic credentials, social media popularity or the excitement that comes with securing a party ticket. Serious politics is built over time through people, relationships, structures, sacrifice, trust and sustained engagement with the grassroots,” Shawai said.
He added, “Measured against these realities, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is no match for Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe, in the politics of Gombe State.”
Shawai said Gwamna’s political network cut across youths, women, business owners, community leaders, religious groups, professionals, retired public servants and other residents of the state.
He claimed that more than 1,300 volunteer youth and women support groups were currently working for Gwamna under the coordination of Hon. Ahmed Usman, popularly known as Fada.
The spokesperson also cited a network of business people led by Alhaji Saidu Silifas, as well as groups comprising retired directors and permanent secretaries, Alarammomi Forum, community stakeholders and other organised groups.
“Add to this the continuing political realignments and defections into the APC and towards the Sardauna movement, and the picture becomes increasingly in favour of Dr. Gwamna,” he said.
Shawai described the structures as more than campaign machinery, saying they were the outcome of years of political engagement and grassroots acceptance.
He said Gwamna’s experience in both the private and public sectors had equipped him with the capacity to build relationships, manage differences and provide leadership.
“Leadership requires the ability to build relationships, maintain friendships, accommodate differences and inspire loyalty. Sardauna’s experience cuts across the private and public sectors, giving him an understanding of both governance and corporate management,” he said.
The spokesperson said Gombe needed a governor capable of managing government, attracting investment, creating opportunities and strengthening institutions.
“Gombe does not simply need someone who wants to become governor. It needs someone capable of managing government, attracting investment, creating opportunities, building institutions and consolidating the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,” Shawai said.
He urged voters and political stakeholders to assess the 2027 contenders based on their records of service, relationships with the people and capacity to provide effective leadership.
