GOMBE, Nigeria — The Gombe State Government has expelled Gombawa Motors from the state’s mega transport park, citing operational violations, while the transport company has alleged that its expulsion was politically motivated retaliation after endorsing a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming 2027 general election.
The state government, through the management of the Gombe Mega Park, announced the expulsion of the company on Thursday, stating that Gombawa Motors had violated the terms of its operating license. According to the government, the company failed to comply with the park’s regulations, necessitating its removal to maintain order and ensure compliance among other operators.
However, the management of Gombawa Motors has disputed the government’s claims, describing the expulsion as a politically motivated attack. In a statement issued on Friday, the company alleged that its troubles with the state authorities began shortly after its directors openly endorsed a PDP candidate for the 2027 election.
“We believe this expulsion is a direct consequence of our political stance. We have been operating in full compliance with the park’s rules, and this sudden action is clearly aimed at punishing us for exercising our democratic rights,” a spokesperson for Gombawa Motors said.
The company also claimed that it had not been given a fair hearing before the expulsion decision was taken, adding that it would explore all legal options to challenge the government’s action. The firm called on the public and civil society organisations to intervene and ensure that justice is served.
The Gombe State Government has not responded to the allegations of political retaliation. However, officials have insisted that the decision was based solely on operational violations and that the company’s political affiliations played no role in the matter.
The incident has sparked debate about the intersection of politics and business in Gombe State, with some observers expressing concern that the expulsion could have a chilling effect on political expression among business owners. Others have called on the government to provide transparent evidence of the alleged violations to justify its decision.
As the dispute continues, the expulsion of Gombawa Motors from the Gombe Mega Park has raised questions about the treatment of businesses perceived to be aligned with opposition parties. For now, the company remains determined to fight the decision, while the government maintains that its action was justified under the park’s regulations.
