By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has officially screened Barrister Rambi Ibrahim Ayala to contest for the Balanga-Billiri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his interface with the screening committee, Ayala expressed a high level of optimism regarding the party’s prospects, asserting that the PDP is well-positioned to reclaim its dominance in the region.
He emphasized that his political philosophy remains rooted in the will of the people, stating that he maintains “absolute fidelity and confidence in the electorate” and is certain that the people of Billiri and Balanga are firmly behind his mandate.
Ayala further noted that his return to the PDP was driven by a commitment to democratic fairness, contrasting the APC internal processes which he characterized as a selfish selection of candidates intended to represent the interests of a few.
S Speaking on his previous defection from the APC, Ayala explained that his ideologies are fundamentally opposed to injustice, describing the ruling party’s current approach as anti-democratic and anti-people.
When asked about the widely reported internal friction within the PDP, the legal expert maintained that there is ample time for the party to mend its differences and “bounce back strong and viable” to win at the polls.
He remarked that Nigerian political parties are often driven by interests rather than rigid ideologies, and ultimately, the fate of any candidate lies in the hands of the voters who are currently seeking for a credible alternative.
Reflecting on the screening process, Ayala described it as seamless, noting his long-standing history with the party, having successfully contested and won two previous elections under the PDP banner.
The screening exercise also featured other prominent contenders, including Hon. Shuaibu Umar Galadima, an aspirant for the Yamaltu-Deba Federal Constituency.
Galadima, who described himself as PDP “to the bone and marrow,” expressed strong faith in the party’s ability to heal its internal cracks and triumph at the polls.
He seized the opportunity to caution the electorate against the dangers of “money politics,” which he labeled as inimical to long-term peace and development in Gombe State.
Providing an update on the technical aspects of the exercise, the Chairman of the PDP Aspirants Screening Committee, Hon. Muhammad Danazumi Adamu, confirmed that the proceedings were moving smoothly according to established guidelines.
He assured party members that the committee’s primary objective is to ensure that only credible and competitive candidates emerge as flag bearers.
Despite challenges at the national level, Adamu insisted that the Gombe State chapter remains an indivisible family.
He revealed that the committee is tasked with evaluating over 100 aspirants, including four gubernatorial hopefuls, three senatorial candidates, eight House of Representatives contenders, and 35 individuals vying for seats in the State House of Assembly.
To maintain party cohesion, he added that the PDP is considering consensus arrangements to ensure that only the most viable candidates represent the party in the upcoming 2027 polls.