Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Gombe State following the controversial adoption of Mohammed Ahmadu-Deba as the party’s consensus candidate for the Gombe Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections, replacing incumbent Senator Danjuma Goje.
The development has sparked outrage among Mr Goje’s supporters, who rejected the process and described the consensus arrangement as unlawful and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by Saidu Muazu Kumo, the senator’s camp alleged that several recognised aspirants were excluded from the consensus meeting, reportedly held at the Government House in Gombe.
They argued that the process violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that candidates can only emerge through direct primaries or a consensus arrangement accepted by all aspirants.
According to the group, the exclusion of aspirants who had already obtained nomination forms invalidates the outcome and undermines internal democracy within the ruling party.
The controversy has also intensified political tensions between Akko and Yamaltu-Deba local government areas over the zoning of the senatorial seat.
A delegation of political stakeholders and traditional rulers from Akko had earlier visited Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, urging him to support the rotation of the seat to Yamaltu-Deba in the interest of equity, noting that Akko has produced the senator since 2011.
Mr Yahaya reportedly described the demand as fair and promised to convey the position to the APC national leadership.
However, another bloc of APC stakeholders from Akko opposed the move and rallied behind Goje’s re-election bid.
At a meeting held at Shugleez Hall, the group insisted that there is no constitutional impediment to Senator Goje seeking another term, stressing that his political experience and influence remain critical to the APC’s strength in Gombe State.
In a letter addressed to APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, the group maintained that Goje’s continued presence in the Senate would strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Some constituents also dismissed calls for rotation, arguing that competence and performance should take precedence over zoning considerations.
With rival camps digging in over zoning, continuity and the legitimacy of the consensus process, the battle for the Gombe Central senatorial ticket is rapidly becoming a major internal challenge for the APC ahead of 2027.
