Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Hon. Ahmed Yayari, has left the party and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, ahead of the 2027 election.
Yayari, who also served as National Treasurer of the PDP, announced his decision in a statement issued by Gwamna’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, as political realignments continue to gather pace in Gombe State.
The former governorship candidate said his decision to support Gwamna was based on his assessment of the APC candidate’s character, political experience, vision and leadership capacity.
Yayari Pledges Political Support for Gwamna
Yayari said he would deploy his political experience, networks and grassroots structures towards supporting Gwamna’s bid to become the next governor of Gombe State.
He described Gwamna as a politician with a commitment to public service that, in his view, extends beyond personal political ambition.
According to Yayari, the APC candidate has demonstrated what he described as a clear interest in supporting people, empowering communities and contributing to the development of society.
He also praised Gwamna’s family background and longstanding contributions to Gombe State, describing the family as prominent and respected.
Yayari’s endorsement adds to a series of political movements around Gwamna’s campaign in recent months. The Bureau Journal recently reported the resignation of Gombe PDP Youth Leader Jamilu Ali Kalshingi, who is expected to join the APC and declare support for Gwamna.
Former PDP Candidate Says Gwamna Understands Governance
Yayari maintained that Gwamna possesses an understanding of both political dynamics and the demands of governance, arguing that this combination makes him capable of providing effective leadership in Gombe State.
He also assured that he and his supporters would commit their time, energy and political resources to the APC candidate’s campaign and to the success of other APC candidates in the state.
The endorsement comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election, with politicians and groups moving between parties and declaring support for different candidates.
In August, members of the political family of former Gombe Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu declared their support for Gwamna, citing their longstanding relationship with the APC candidate and their assessment of his leadership capacity.
Gwamna Welcomes Yayari Into APC Camp
Reacting to Yayari’s decision, Gwamna welcomed the former PDP governorship candidate, describing his move as a significant political development and a boost to the APC’s political project in Gombe.
Gwamna described Yayari as an experienced politician and grassroots mobiliser whose political experience could add value to the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
He particularly highlighted Yayari’s previous roles at both state and national levels within the PDP, saying his experience would be useful to the party.
Gwamna said the development reflected what he described as growing confidence in the APC and its ability to provide progressive leadership and sustainable development in Gombe State.
His campaign has recorded several other political movements in recent months. The Bureau Journal previously reported the defection of former Gombe ADC State Secretary Dr. Ahmed Gana to the APC, followed by his declaration of support for Gwamna’s governorship ambition.
Gwamna Campaign Continues to Attract Political Support
Yayari’s decision is the latest in a succession of endorsements and defections involving political figures previously associated with opposition parties or rival political structures.
Earlier in August, a former adviser to PDP governorship candidate Professor Isa Ali Pantami also resigned his position and declared support for Gwamna. The Bureau Journal reported the move as another development in the shifting political alliances surrounding the Gombe governorship race.
Gwamna’s campaign has also sought to emphasise youth development and human capital investment as part of its political messaging. In a recent statement, Gwamna pledged stronger youth mentorship, skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives if given the opportunity to lead the state.
Political endorsements, however, do not automatically translate into electoral victory. Their significance will ultimately depend on the ability of candidates and their supporters to convert political alliances into sustained grassroots mobilisation and votes at the polls.
2027 Gombe Race Enters Another Phase
The latest realignment comes as the political contest in Gombe increasingly takes shape ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Political parties are strengthening their structures, while prominent individuals and groups are weighing their options ahead of the campaign season.
Gombe Tsangaya scholars have also publicly endorsed Gwamna, with the group announcing plans to mobilise 150,000 votes for the APC candidate.
At the same time, political actors within the state continue to debate the strengths and weaknesses of the emerging candidates and their respective platforms.
The Bureau Journal recently examined the growing political conversation around the Gombe 2027 election, including the role of social media and the importance of building support beyond online campaigns.
For Yayari, however, his decision is now clear: he has left the PDP and pledged his political support to Gwamna and the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The development adds another prominent name to the growing list of political figures aligning with the APC candidate as the Gombe contest moves towards a more competitive phase.
The statement announcing Yayari’s decision was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
