The governorship consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Gombe State, Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has pledged to pursue an inclusive and people-oriented style of governance if elected governor in the 2027 general elections, promising to unite stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious lines in the interest of the state’s development.
Gwamna made the pledge shortly after emerging as the preferred consensus candidate of the ruling APC in Gombe, a development that has continued to shape political conversations within the state ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Addressing party supporters, political associates and stakeholders, the APC governorship hopeful said his ambition was built on the principles of service, accountability and collective progress, stressing that his administration would ensure that every resident of Gombe State has a sense of belonging.
According to him, governance should not be reserved for a select group of people, but must reflect the aspirations and contributions of all citizens regardless of political affiliation, social background or geographical location.
He assured party members and residents that his administration would place the welfare of the people at the centre of government policies, adding that inclusiveness would remain a key pillar of his leadership style.
Gwamna stated that the “Gombe First” vision would serve as the guiding principle of his administration, explaining that the concept represents a commitment to prioritising the interests of the state and its people above personal or sectional considerations.
He noted that the state possesses enormous human and economic potential capable of driving rapid growth if properly harnessed through strategic leadership and collective participation.
The APC candidate further stressed that youth empowerment, education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure development would receive priority attention under his administration.
According to him, creating opportunities for young people remains essential to sustaining peace, economic growth and social stability in the state.
He said his government would focus on supporting entrepreneurship, vocational training and skills acquisition programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and improving the living conditions of residents.
Gwamna also promised to strengthen partnerships with private investors and development agencies to attract projects capable of stimulating economic activities and creating jobs for the people.
Speaking on healthcare and education, he pledged to improve access to quality services across rural and urban communities, noting that development can only be meaningful when citizens have access to functional schools, hospitals and social support systems.
He maintained that his administration would build on existing achievements recorded by the current APC-led government in the state while introducing new reforms designed to accelerate development.
The governorship hopeful commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what he described as transformative leadership in critical sectors of the state economy.
He said the present administration had laid a strong foundation in areas such as road construction, healthcare delivery, education and urban renewal, adding that continuity and improvement would remain necessary for sustainable progress.
Gwamna also extended a hand of fellowship to other aspirants within the APC, describing them as partners in the collective struggle for the advancement of Gombe State.
He urged party members to avoid actions capable of creating division within the APC, warning that internal conflicts could weaken the party’s chances ahead of future elections.
According to him, political competition should not destroy relationships or undermine the common objective of ensuring continued development in the state.
He called on aggrieved stakeholders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, insisting that unity within the party remains essential to achieving victory in 2027.
“We all belong to one political family and our common interest should be the peace, unity and progress of Gombe State. We must work together and support one another for the greater good of our people,” he said.
Gwamna also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the policy direction of the current administration aligns with his own vision for economic growth, social inclusion and infrastructural development.
He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the state and federal governments would help attract more investments and development projects to Gombe.
The APC consensus arrangement, however, has continued to generate debate within political circles in the state.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, recently rejected the consensus process, arguing that it lacked broad consultation and inclusiveness.
Pantami questioned the legitimacy of the arrangement and called for a more transparent and democratic approach capable of accommodating the interests of all stakeholders within the party.
His position has since triggered discussions among party loyalists and political observers, with some supporting the consensus model as a strategy for maintaining unity, while others insist that all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity through a transparent primary election.
Despite the controversy, APC leaders in the state appear determined to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls.
Political analysts believe the coming months will be critical for the ruling party as consultations, alignments and negotiations continue among stakeholders seeking to shape the future political direction of the state.
Observers also note that Gombe’s political landscape is expected to witness heightened activities as aspirants intensify grassroots mobilisation and strategic alliances ahead of the election season.
For many residents, the major expectation remains the emergence of leadership capable of addressing unemployment, insecurity, poverty and infrastructure deficits while sustaining the state’s relative peace and stability.
As the political atmosphere gradually gathers momentum, Gwamna’s message of inclusive governance and unity is likely to remain central to discussions surrounding the APC’s preparations for the next governorship election in Gombe State.
