The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader in Gombe State, Hon. Jamilu Ali Kalshingi, has resigned from the party, setting the stage for his expected defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declaration of support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
Kalshingi’s resignation adds to the series of political movements taking place in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups increasingly repositioning themselves ahead of the contest.
Kalshingi Resigns as Gombe PDP Youth Leader
Kalshingi communicated his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Bolari West Ward in Gombe Local Government Area.
In the letter, he announced his decision to relinquish both his membership of the PDP and his position as the party’s State Youth Leader with immediate effect.
He explained that the decision followed careful consideration and was part of a decision to pursue what he described as broader commitments in a new political direction.
Kalshingi also previously served as the pioneer Chairman of the PDP State Youth Leaders Forum in Nigeria, a structure that brought together youth leaders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Former PDP Youth Leader Expected to Declare for Gwamna
According to the statement issued by Gwamna’s spokesman, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, Kalshingi is expected to formally join the APC and publicly declare support for Gwamna’s governorship bid.
The anticipated move comes at a time when Gwamna’s campaign has been attracting political figures from outside the APC.
The Bureau Journal previously reported the defection of former Gombe State ADC Secretary Dr. Ahmed Gana to the APC and his declaration of support for Gwamna, describing the development as one of the political movements shaping the 2027 governorship race.
Another political development came in August when a former adviser to Professor Isa Ali Pantami resigned from his position and declared support for Gwamna, according to a statement from the campaign camp.
Gombe 2027 Political Realignment Intensifies
Kalshingi’s resignation is likely to attract attention because of his position within the PDP and his history of youth mobilisation within the party.
His expected movement to the APC would represent another shift in the political landscape as the major parties prepare for the 2027 governorship election.
Gwamna has already secured the APC ticket for the governorship race after emerging as the party’s candidate in the state. The Bureau Journal previously reported on the APC governorship primary that produced Gwamna as the party’s candidate, amid competition involving prominent figures in the state.
The political realignments are unfolding alongside broader debates about the direction of the 2027 election. A recent Bureau Journal report examined the growing Gombe 2027 political conversation and the increasing role of social media in the contest.
Gwamna Welcomes Kalshingi’s Decision
Reacting to the development, Gwamna welcomed Kalshingi’s resignation from the PDP and his anticipated movement into the APC.
The APC candidate described the development as another milestone in the political realignment taking place across Gombe State.
Gwamna’s camp has continued to frame recent defections and endorsements as evidence of growing support for his governorship ambition. However, the political impact of individual defections and endorsements will ultimately be determined by how they translate into grassroots support and votes at the election.
More Stakeholders Align With Gwamna
The latest development follows several other endorsements involving Gwamna in recent weeks.
In August, members of the political family of former Gombe State Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu declared their support for Gwamna ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Gombe Tsangaya scholars have also publicly backed the APC candidate, with the group announcing an intended mobilisation of 150,000 votes for Gwamna, according to an earlier report by The Bureau Journal.
These developments have added to the growing political activity around the APC candidate, although the strength of the various endorsements will become clearer as the election campaign progresses.
Youth Mobilisation Emerges as Key Political Factor
Kalshingi’s background as a youth leader also gives his expected defection an added political dimension.
Youth mobilisation is expected to remain an important component of the 2027 election, particularly as political parties seek to expand their grassroots structures and engage younger voters.
The issue also connects with Gwamna’s recent messaging around youth development. The Bureau Journal recently reported Gwamna’s pledge to strengthen youth mentorship, skills development, entrepreneurship and human capital development in Gombe State.
For the APC candidate, the challenge will be to translate political support and youth mobilisation into a credible programme that addresses employment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and other issues affecting young people across the state.
Political Contest Ahead of 2027
Kalshingi’s resignation is the latest development in an increasingly active political environment in Gombe State.
With the APC, PDP and other political platforms positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, further defections, endorsements and counter-alignments are expected as the contest develops.
For now, Kalshingi has resigned from the PDP and its state youth leadership position, while his formal entry into the APC and declaration of support for Gwamna remain the next anticipated steps.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor the political developments and emerging alliances ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election.
The statement announcing Kalshingi’s resignation and expected political movement was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesman to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
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