THESHIELD Garkuwa
Related Articles
MAHMOUD WROTE THIS PIECES
High Expectations, Bigger Unity Push*
Expectations are soaring within the All Progressives Congress in Gombe State after a second high-level stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, August 31, 2026. The gathering was convened to harmonize strategy and widen support for the party’s 2027 governorship ambition. With 2027 drawing closer, stakeholders said the time to build consensus, reconcile interests, and mobilize grassroots support is now. The meeting was tagged the Second Gombe State Stakeholders Engagement Meeting and brought together political leaders, strategists and community representatives under one roof.
Heavyweight Presence Gives the Meeting Weight*
The forum drew national attention with the attendance of two key figures: the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the pioneer Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Captain Joseph Orji, rtd. Their presence signaled how seriously the APC is taking the Gombe contest. Also leading deliberations was the Facilitator and Co-Convener, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, former FCT Minister and Special Adviser on General Duties to the Vice President. The stakeholders’ group included former ministers, retired Major Generals, retired ambassadors, professors, business leaders and young professionals.
Endorsement of Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna*
At the center of the meeting was the formal endorsement of Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, Sardaunan Gombe, as the preferred APC governorship candidate for 2027. Stakeholders said the decision was based on his leadership qualities, vision and commitment to the continued development of Gombe State. “Our major reason for his endorsement is because of the confidence we have in his leadership capacity, vision, and commitment to advancing the peace, prosperity, and sustainable development of Gombe State”.
Ribadu’s Strategy: Unity, Security, and Grassroots Mobilization*
Malam Nuhu Ribadu addressed the forum with a clear message on how to win: party cohesion, election security, and early grassroots mobilization. He stressed the need for a message that resonates with voters across Gombe’s 11 local government areas. Stakeholders said his input helped sharpen the group’s political direction and gave the meeting both direction and credibility.
Orji’s Call for Inclusive and Peaceful Politics*
Group Captain Joseph Orji, rtd, who helped lay the foundation of Gombe State, reminded participants of the importance of inclusive politics and peaceful engagement. His experience offered a historical perspective on building a state that works for all. The combination of Ribadu’s security insights and Orji’s institutional memory was seen as a bridge between past foundations and future electoral victory.
*8 Key Strategies and Structures Adopted*
To convert endorsement into victory, the stakeholders adopted concrete resolutions:
– *Formal endorsement* of Dr. Gwamna as preferred candidate
– *Creation of Political and Technical Directorates* to oversee engagement, policy development, research, political mobilisation and strategic communication
– *High-Powered Reconciliation and Stakeholders’ Engagement Committee* to reach out to former aspirants and supporters and foster party unity
– *Expand outreach and sustain dialogue* in the months ahead
– *Micro-zoning mechanisms* for balancing interests and fairness across constituencies
– *Extend consultations to LG level* for grassroots ownership
– *Female affirmative agenda* to create space for women’s participation
– *Combat false narratives* and strengthen internal democratic culture.
Reconciliation as the Winning Formula*
Recognizing that internal cohesion wins elections, the forum tasked the reconciliation committee with engaging those who contested the APC ticket with Gwamna to ensure victory in 2027. The committee is expected to promote reconciliation and strengthen party unity ahead of the polls. The stakeholders also reaffirmed that the engagement platform would remain a voluntary consultative body to complement APC structures, not a parallel structure.
The Road Ahead to 2027*
With the roadmap now charted, stakeholders agreed to deepen consultations and build a wider base of support for Dr. Gwamna and other APC candidates. The meeting ended with a commitment to strengthen political cohesion, enhance grassroots mobilisation, and consolidate support for the APC. As Gombe prepares for 2027, the Abuja summit has set the tone: unity at the top, reconciliation within, and aggressive mobilization at the grassroots.
