By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
As the political landscape in Gombe State begins to shift toward the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has intensified his grassroots outreach, conducting a series of strategic engagement meetings with party elders and stakeholders across several local government areas.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Pantami clarified that while the meetings were not formal campaigns, as the official window has yet to open, they served as an essential platform to outline his governing philosophy.
He underscored a commitment to an administration defined by welfare and inclusivity, rather than personal interest.
“We are not contractors; we shall allow professional contractors to handle projects so that we can focus on the people,” Pantami asserted.
“Our agenda is to improve basic amenities and infrastructure, ranging from security and healthcare to agriculture and employment, ensuring that we run a government that effectively addresses the needs of every citizen.”
The candidate also urged party members to remain vigilant, calling on them to ensure that electoral processes are transparent and that votes are protected.
He further expressed commitment to the state’s sovereignty, stating that “We are Gombe indigenes, and we shall not allow our interests to be betrayed. We must tighten our belts to ensure that our success is a reflection of the people’s will.”
During the session, Pantami also took a moment to offer his condolences to the people of Kwami following recent farmer-herder clashes, while calling for sustained prayers for peace and security across the state.
Providing perspective on the party’s current momentum, the leader of the PDP in Gombe State, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, described the consultations as a critical “in-house engagement” necessary for the party’s resurgence.
“This is a fight for Gombe’s salvation; we shall all contribute to rescue the state,” Senator Dankwambo remarked, tasking the stakeholders to expand their mobilization efforts deep into the grassroots levels to ensure the party’s success.
Representing the State Party Chairman, General Abnor Kalaye Kwaskebe (rtd), the State Deputy Chairman, Hon. Danazumi Adamu, emphasized that the ongoing meetings serve as a foundational step to bridge the gap between the candidate and the party’s grassroots base.
“This meeting is for the PDP candidate to familiarize himself with the elders and stakeholders, appreciate them, and seek more support,” Adamu stated, adding that Gombe remains a natural stronghold for the PDP.
“We need people who can protect our interests, and our candidates are the best positioned to lead the state come 2027.”
The sessions saw an outpouring of support from local party chairmen and stakeholders, who described the nomination of Professor Pantami as a strategic blessing for the party.
During the meeting with delegates from Kwami and Yamaltu-Deba, local leaders expressed unwavering confidence in the candidate’s vision.
Hon. Kawu Kwami, speaking on behalf of his constituents, noted that “Having Pantami as a gubernatorial candidate is a rare blessing. We are united in this course and remain committed to ensuring that every single vote for the PDP is protected.”
The sentiment was echoed by the PDP candidate for the Yamaltu-Deba Federal Constituency, Shuaibu Umar Galadima, who pledged that the area would remain a loyal base for the party, promising to act as the “eyes and ears” for the gubernatorial candidate on the ground.
The recent consultations, which brought together leaders from Yamaltu-Deba, Kwami, Akko, Funakaye, Nafaɗa, and Dukku, were characterized by a unified call for party cohesion and a commitment to repositioning the state toward sustainable development.
As the engagement tour continues across the remaining local government areas, the message from the PDP leadership remains clear: the party is consolidating its structures to present a formidable front for the upcoming electoral cycle, with stakeholders signaling a collective resolve to reclaim governance in Gombe State.