By our reporter
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State is battling one of its toughest periods yet, as a string of high-profile defections and damaging internal accusations threaten its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The most significant blow came on Monday, August 3, 2026, when Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, popularly known as Walin Funakaye, formally resigned from the PDP. Yusuf, a former Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, had long been regarded as the pillar holding the party together in the area during periods of internal instability.
In his resignation announcement, Yusuf declared his full support for Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna. Party observers describe his exit as a devastating loss for the PDP’s grassroots mobilization in Funakaye, a key LGA for the party in previous election cycles.
The crisis was compounded by public criticism from within the PDP camp. Affan Buba Abuya, a former aide to PDP governorship hopeful Professor Isa Ali Pantami, issued a strongly worded statement accusing his former principal of poor interpersonal relations and a lack of commitment to Gombe indigenes.
“If you interact with Isa Ali Pantami for just five minutes, you will lose interest in ever dealing with him again,” Abuya said. He alleged that Pantami failed to build relationships with critical stakeholders and consistently awarded contracts to outsiders instead of empowering local people.
Abuya’s comments quickly went viral on social media, sparking debate across the state. As of the time of this report, Pantami had not issued a public response to the allegations.
The internal rift is also manifesting in further defections. Architect Dahiru Saidu Nafada, described as a close ally and one of the early promoters of Pantami’s gubernatorial ambition, has reportedly dumped the PDP for the APC. His move adds to the perception that confidence in the PDP is eroding from within.
Political analysts link the defections to the rising profile of APC’s governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna. His recent engagements across Gombe have focused on grassroots outreach, policy clarity, and a development-centered agenda, which party chieftains say is attracting former PDP members.
“The people of Gombe are aligning with a leader who understands their needs,” said APC chieftain Auwalu Musa Kumo. “Dr. Gwamna represents competence, inclusiveness, and a new era of progress.” Another supporter, Jibrin Usman, added that the current shift “is not just politics — it is a realignment of the future.”
With its structures weakening and key figures exiting, the PDP faces an uphill battle to remain competitive in Gombe. Meanwhile, the APC appears to be consolidating its hold, positioning itself as the dominant force as the 2027 elections approach.
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