Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has moved decisively to reshape the political landscape in Gombe State, denying Senator Danjuma Goje a return ticket to the Senate and unveiling a new consensus slate for the 2027 elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At a stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday, Yahaya announced Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, signalling a clear succession plan as he prepares to exit office.
The development marks a turning point in a long-running political rivalry between Yahaya and Goje, a four-term senator representing Gombe Central, whose bid for another term in 2027 now appears effectively blocked.
The move comes days after Goje was part of a National Assembly delegation that met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where lawmakers reportedly sought automatic return tickets — a proposal said to have been rejected by the president.
APC Consensus Candidates in Gombe State
The party also released a broader list of consensus candidates across key positions:
* Governorship: Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna
Senate:
* Gombe Central — Mohammed Ahmadu Deba
* Gombe South — Jerry Damara
* Gombe North — Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
House of Representatives:
* Akko — Usman Bello Kumo
* Yamaltu/Deba — Inuwa Garba
* Balanga/Billiri — Ali Isa JC
* Kaltungo/Shongom — Fatima Binta Bello
* Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye — Saddam Bello
* Dukku/Nafada — Jamilu Shabewa
Political observers say the announcement consolidates Yahaya’s grip on the state’s party structure while sidelining a powerful rival, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest as alliances and grievances begin to reshape ahead of 2027.
