By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe State Chapter, has accused Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration of nonchalance over the reported outbreak of diphtheria in the state.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, AbdulKadir Ahmad Dukku, on September 13, 2026, the party said reliable reports indicated that diphtheria had broken out in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-Eastern regions, including Gombe State.
The PDP described diphtheria as a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and airways. It listed symptoms to include sore throat and pain when swallowing, fever and chills, weakness and tiredness, nasal discharge and, in some cases, a bloody cough. Severe cases, it said, could cause a rapid heartbeat and complications affecting the heart and nerves.
The party noted that the disease is preventable through vaccination, including DPT/DTaP/Td vaccines, and advised anyone suspected of having diphtheria to go to a health facility immediately and avoid close contact with others until properly assessed.
According to the PDP, schools have already been closed in Plateau and Bauchi states, while intensive public enlightenment, sensitisation, vaccination and other health interventions are being undertaken in affected areas. It added that reports also indicated the disease was spreading in neighbouring Yobe State.
Citing its situation report, the party said the disease, which predominantly affects children, had reportedly led to the admission of nine persons at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, with additional cases reported at the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo, as well as General Hospitals in Bajoga and Billiri.
The PDP strongly condemned what it called the failure of the APC-led state government to take sufficiently proactive measures to contain the reported spread of the disease, despite indications of its presence in the state.
It also challenged Governor Yahaya to demonstrate greater commitment to human capital development and public healthcare, arguing that while the government continues to commit substantial resources to infrastructural projects, the health and wellbeing of citizens must remain a priority.
The party called on the state government to publicly clarify the status of diphtheria in Gombe State and explain steps being taken to contain and prevent its further spread.
It also demanded that the government immediately announce and implement preventive measures to protect schoolchildren and the general public, publicise sustainable health intervention strategies—including sensitisation, public enlightenment, surveillance, testing, treatment and vaccination—and strengthen collaboration with relevant health authorities and institutions for prompt detection, treatment and containment of suspected and confirmed cases.
The PDP reminded the APC-led administration that the lives and wellbeing of the people of Gombe State must not be treated with levity, urging urgency and transparency in responding to the public health concern.
It added that after reportedly spending millions of Naira on Hausa praise singers from Kano, the people of Gombe State were entitled to know how much the state government was prepared to commit towards protecting their lives and preventing the further spread of the disease.
