By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
Ahead of the highly anticipated All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, the political landscape of Gombe Central witnessed a seismic shift this week as a high-powered delegation swept through Akko and Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Areas to solicit for support to APC consensus candidates.
Led by the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, the delegation’s mission was to consolidate support for the party’s consensus senatorial candidate, DCP Ahmad Muhammad, popularly known as Jarman Deba, while formalizing a historic power-sharing agreement between the two local government strongholds.
The tour, which saw hundreds of jubilant party loyalists lining the streets, included crucial stops at the palaces of the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu; the Emir of Deba, QS Muhammad Usman; the Lamiɗo Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku; the Emir of Pindiga, Muhammad Seyoji Ahmad; and the Lamiɗo Gona, Alhaji Umar Abdulƙadir Abdulslam.
At each palace, the air was thick with the rhetoric of “brotherhood and reciprocity” as the delegation sought the spiritual and traditional blessings of the royal fathers for a transition they described as long overdue.
Addressing the traditional rulers and stakeholders, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo emphasized that the decision to back a candidate from Yamaltu-Deba was rooted in justice.
“In the spirit of equality and brotherhood, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has graciously granted the request of Yamaltu-Deba people to produce the next senator for Gombe Central after Akko has spent 16 consecutive years on the seat,” Kumo stated.
He praised the people of Yamaltu-Deba for their historical support of Akko candidates, noting that it was finally time to return the favor.
“We are here to advertise and sell our genuine product, DCP Ahmad Muhammad. We have young and vibrant candidates who can represent us well; let our elderly representatives go and rest, they have served us enough.”
The campaign trail was bolstered by the presence of prominent figures including Hon. Inuwa Garba, representing Yamaltu-Deba Federal Constituency, Hon Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga and former representative Ismaila Mu’azu Hassan. The speakers were unanimous in their belief that the zone was ready to break a “political vicious cycle.”
They noted that Yamaltu-Deba had long been “thirsty” for the senatorial seat and described the current movement as a total emancipation of the constituency’s future generations.
Hon. Garba and Dr. Habu Ɗahiru specifically lauded the APC’s track record, asserting that the party’s representatives remain the gold standard for delivering the dividends of democracy in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
In an emotional response to the overwhelming reception, the consensus candidate, DCP Ahmad Muhammad, expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him. He pledged to be a bridge-builder, aligning his vision with the broader national and state objectives.
Muhammad told the crowds “I am committed to an all-inclusive representation focused on welfare and infrastructural development,” .
“My mission is to align strictly with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s developmental strides to move Gombe Central to new heights.”
The traditional rulers, in their respective addresses, offered their prayers and royal endorsements, consolidating the existing synergy between the traditional institution and the ruling party.
The Emirs particularly commended the people of Akko for their willingness to concede the seat to Deba Emirate, a move they believe will foster lasting peace and unity within the senatorial district.
As the delegation concluded its tour, Hon. Kumo assured party members that the upcoming primaries would be free, fair, and credible, expressing absolute confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the general elections to continue its “transformative journey” in Gombe State and Nigeria.