By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
A new wave of tension is brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Gombe State after one of the governorship aspirants, Alhaji Usman Aliyu Garry, also known as Kogunan Gombe, warned the party that it risks losing the 2027 governorship race if justice is not served to all aspirants.
Alhaji Usman Aliyu Garry expressed concern over how the party is handling the governorship ticket, especially following reports of Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami being adopted as the PDP candidate. He said the move has increased divisions and internal discord within the party in Gombe.
According to him, the decision to single out Prof. Pantami without a transparent process amounts to “injustice” against other aspirants who have invested time, resources, and grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 election.
“We will not accept this injustice,” Kogunan Gombe said. “We have paid our dues and have structures across the 11 LGAs. If the party ignores fairness and due process, PDP will lose the governorship seat to the APC in 2027.”
He warned party leaders that ignoring the grievances of other aspirants could trigger mass defections and weaken PDP’s chances at the polls. “Every aspirant deserves a level playing field. Consensus should not be imposed,” he added.
The controversy comes at a time when Gombe politics is already tense, with debates over consensus candidates, stakeholder influence, and the role of federal political figures in state elections. Prof. Pantami served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under President Buhari.
Political observers say the PDP’s internal crisis mirrors challenges faced by other opposition parties: balancing the influence of high-profile entrants against the loyalty of long-time grassroots politicians.
Kogunan Gombe insisted that he and his supporters will take “all necessary steps” until the party corrects the process. He urged PDP leaders to revisit the ticket arrangement to preserve unity and improve the party’s odds of reclaiming Gombe Government House in 2027.
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By Editor -in-Chief MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD
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