Gombe

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Usman, the former Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Gombe North, has resigned from the party and declared his support for the governorship ambition of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who is seeking the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Usman announced his defection at a gathering of his supporters, stating that the decision followed extensive consultations with his followers, community leaders, and key political stakeholders across the Gombe North Senatorial District.

He said his move was necessitated by Pantami’s entry into the PDP and his own desire to contribute to the development of Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

“This decision is the product of deep discussions with my supporters, community leaders, and political stakeholders across Gombe North,” he said.

The former senatorial candidate described Pantami as a distinguished academic, a cybersecurity expert, a technocrat, and a key driver of digital transformation in Nigeria.

He added that Pantami’s record as a minister,  particularly in youth empowerment, community development, and digital innovation, had convinced him that the PDP offers a platform capable of delivering meaningful change in Gombe State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna the winner of its governorship primary election for the 2027 general elections, following a landslide victory in Gombe State.

Dr. Gwamna dominated the poll, amassing a staggering 247,161 votes to defeat two of the state’s most prominent political figures. His closest rival, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, finished a distant second with 12,120 votes. Former Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, came third with 11,612 votes.

The results, announced by the party’s electoral committee, confirmed that Gwamna secured over 90% of the total votes cast, cementing his position as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship race.

By Anas Abbas

Siyako Anthony Yaro, a Senator Representing Gombe South Senatorial District has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic party ( PDP)  after rejecting the party’s reported consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 political activities.

The senator, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to party officials, citing dissatisfaction with internal decisions and the alleged imposition of candidates through a consensus process.

He maintained that the arrangement was contrary to democratic principles within the party.

The senator stressed that his return to the PDP should not be viewed as political desperation or inconsistency, but as a demonstration of responsibility and commitment to the people he represents.

“To my supporters and constituents, I ask that you see this return not as a sign of confusion, but as an act of courage and accountability. My loyalty has always been, and will always be, to the people first,” he stated

The senator expressed concern over what he described as a lack of transparency and inclusiveness in the party’s internal affairs, stressing that members should be allowed to participate freely in competitive contests rather than adopting imposed agreements.

Sources within the party said the development has generated fresh political tension in Gombe State, especially as consultations and alignments ahead of future elections continue to intensify.

The resignation is seen as another setback for the APC in the state, with political observers suggesting that the move could influence emerging alliances and future political calculations in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, who represents Gombe Central Senatorial District, has opposed the consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party stakeholders had, during a meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Sunday, endorsed a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmadu Deba, as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat currently occupied by Goje. The development was reported by Daily Trust.

In response, Goje distanced himself from the outcome of the meeting through a statement issued by his aide, Barrister Saidu Muazu Kumo. The senator, who is seeking a fifth term, described the process as flawed and not inclusive.

“The purported consensus meeting involved only Governor Yahaya and a limited number of aspirants, and did not include all duly recognised aspirants within the party,” the statement read.

Goje maintained that the arrangement did not comply with the Electoral Act, which provides guidelines for candidate nomination.

“The provisions of the Electoral Act have clearly stipulated two lawful methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“These methods must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral process.”

He also pointed out that several aspirants who had obtained the required nomination forms were not part of the meeting held at the Government House.

“It is further noteworthy that across the various electoral constituencies, several aspirants have validly purchased their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, and were not participants in the said consensus arrangement held at the Government House,” he added.

Kumo stressed that the party must follow due process as required by law. He said the appropriate method in the current situation is direct primary elections, which would be supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.

“In accordance with the extant electoral framework, the nomination process shall be conducted through direct primary elections, which are to be duly monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies, on a date to be slated by the party,” he said.

The statement also warned against imposing candidates, noting that such action would violate existing laws.

“Any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria,” the statement stressed.

The disagreement has heightened tensions within the APC in Gombe State over the adoption of consensus candidates.

Earlier, a governorship aspirant of the party, Isa Ali Pantami, rejected the endorsement of Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate. He argued that consensus can only stand if all aspirants agree to it.

“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” he said.

Pantami cited the Electoral Act to support his position, noting that only two methods are recognised for selecting candidates.

“In Section 84 (2), political parties are restricted to only two methods for selecting candidates. The two methods are consensus, where all aspirants agree in writing, and direct primaries,” he explained.

“If even one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to a direct primary.”

He also called on his supporters to remain calm while legal options are explored.

“We will not ignore what is a total disregard for the provisions of the law,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has disowned a controversial message shared on his Facebook page. He said the post, which described critics and non-supporters as hypocrites, did not have his approval.

In a statement issued on the same platform, Pantami explained that the content was published by one of the page administrators without his consent.

He said, “My attention has been drawn to a post on this page by one of the admins, containing a strongly worded message suggesting that anyone who does not support Prof. Pantami is a hypocrite, and that any cleric who does not support him is equally a hypocrite. I would like to state clearly that this message was not authorised by me, nor does it represent our approach to leading the affairs of our state. Furthermore, the admin in question has been placed under suspension until further notice.”

The former minister stressed that political engagement should allow room for differing opinions. He noted that respect for all individuals must be upheld, regardless of their views or affiliations.

Pantami also stated the importance of criticism in leadership and public discourse. He stated, “First, it is important to note that in politics, everyone is valued and respected, regardless of sectarian differences. Moreover, as an administrator, academic, former Minister, and, most importantly, a religious cleric myself, I understand the value of criticism. It is a vital ingredient that shapes discourse, upholds standards, and sustains development.”

He further reiterated his commitment to inclusive leadership, especially in a diverse society. According to him, “I would also like to state that, as a politician aspiring to lead a heterogeneous, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society, I am for everyone. Islam equally enjoins every leader to be just to all, irrespective of differences, and I hold firmly to these values.”

Pantami added that his team reflects a mix of backgrounds and beliefs. He said, “It is also noteworthy to reiterate that my team comprises individuals of impeccable character from diverse ethno-religious backgrounds. It includes people of different faiths, both Christians and Muslims, as we understand that our diversity across many dimensions makes us stronger and greater as a people.”

He ended the statement with a brief note of appreciation to his supporters and followers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

One person has been confirmed dead while several others sustained injuries after a violent clash disrupted a wedding event in Tulmi, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Details of the incident emerged in a post shared on X on Tuesday by security analyst Zangozola Makama. According to the post, the violence broke out on Sunday at about 10:30 p.m. during a send-off ceremony organised in honour of a wedding by Godiya Mai Rai.

Makama stated that the fight involved a group of men from Garin Ardo Usman village and two other individuals at the venue.

“A group of men from Garin Ardo Usman village, including Wada Hussaini, Ganji Alhaji Idi, Yaya Hussaini, Mohammed Maikudi, Bello Alhaji Idi, and one Tijjani, reportedly clashed with Abubakar Usman, 35, and Bello Adamu, 19,” Makama wrote.

The confrontation resulted in the death of Abubakar Usman, while Bello Adamu and Wada Hussaini sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Sources said the injured victims were taken to Cottage Hospital Tulmi for medical attention. The body of the deceased was also deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

Police authorities confirmed that the suspects escaped from the scene after the incident. They added that efforts are underway to track down and arrest those involved.

An investigation has also commenced to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly clash.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A fatal road crash claimed two lives and left six others seriously injured on Tuesday night along the Gombe–Yola Road.

The incident occurred around 10:20 pm at New Mile 3, near the entrance to the main dual carriageway. Preliminary investigation by authorities points to negligence by the driver of a heavy-duty truck loaded with rice.

Ambassador Yusuf Danbayo, Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, confirmed that the truck was improperly parked with its handbrake not fully engaged. It subsequently rolled uncontrollably, colliding with a Toyota Hilux and striking several individuals at the scene.

The two deceased victims were pronounced dead on arrival and deposited at the Specialist Hospital, Gombe. Six injured persons received emergency care at the Federal Teaching Hospital.

Police have arrested the truck driver, who is currently held at the Tumfure Police Division pending transfer for further investigation and prosecution.

Authorities have advised motorists, especially drivers of heavy vehicles, to exercise utmost caution when parking on major highways to avoid similar tragedies.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.31 Potiskum Unit Command, on Sunday morning intercepted an overloaded Volkswagen Golf along the Potiskum–Gombe (PKM-GME) highway.

The vehicle, with registration number TRN 59 SB, was stopped during a routine patrol as part of the Corps’ nationwide enforcement operation targeting overloading and other critical traffic offences.

According to the patrol team, the vehicle was found to be carrying passengers and cargo in excess of the permitted limit, a violation that significantly increases the risk of road accidents.

“This action is in line with the Corps’ commitment to reducing road crashes caused by reckless practices such as overloading,” a spokesperson for the unit said.

No injuries were reported during the interception. The vehicle has been impounded, and further investigations are underway.

The FRSC continues to urge motorists to comply with traffic regulations and prioritise safety for all road users.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested 28-year-old Hannatu Ibrahim for allegedly stealing $35,000 (approximately N53.5 million) from her Syrian employer, Mohammed Jurdi, before setting his house on fire in the New GRA area of Gombe.

According to police spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi, two other suspects—Ahmed Adamu, 20, and Abubakar Ibrahim, 28—were also apprehended in connection with the crime.

Ibrahim, who worked as a cook for Jurdi, was caught in possession of $7,100 of the stolen money when a police patrol team responded to a distress call on March 22, 2025.

The investigation revealed that Ibrahim had stolen the money from her employer and set his house ablaze. During questioning, Ibrahim disclosed that Adamu was the first person she contacted, and he had taken two $100 bills.

Police later found one of the $100 bills in Adamu’s wallet. Abubakar Ibrahim, a security guard employed by Jurdi, was arrested as well in relation to the theft.

Exhibits recovered include $7,100 from Ibrahim and $100 from Adamu.

The case is under investigation and will be taken to court once completed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Angry youths in Gombe State have looted Ramadan palliative supplies reportedly meant for distribution by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The incident occurred as part of a Ramadan feeding program launched by Seyi Tinubu during his visits to northern states for Iftar celebrations with residents and political leaders.

Seyi’s initiative, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the holy month, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media.

While some welcomed the gesture, others criticized it, arguing that the north deserved more sustainable support than temporary palliative aid.Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, voiced his displeasure on Facebook, urging Seyi to implement long-term empowerment programs.

He suggested that the youths in Bauchi needed job opportunities, business startups, and digital skills training rather than food parcels.

“Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day,” he said.

In Gombe, the distribution of palliative items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta, quickly turned chaotic.

Video footage showed youths unloading and carting away cartons of food from a truck, with some throwing the items to others on the ground.

Two trucks containing 3,500 cartons of food had been allocated to the state, but while one was reportedly distributed, the other was intercepted by the angry youths.

Observers have suggested that the distribution might have been sabotaged by those left out of the initial handout event, which took place at the state’s APC Secretariat.

Seyi’s outreach initiative, while framed as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement program, is also seen by some as a strategic political move to strengthen his father’s political foothold in the northern region, where there is still some resistance to his re-election.