Gombe Governor Backs Yamaltu-Deba’s Bid for Senatorial Seat, Intensifying Political Pressure on Incumbent Danjuma Goje
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has thrown his weight behind the demand for Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area to produce the next senator for the Gombe Central District in 2027. This move could escalate political tensions for incumbent Senator Danjuma Goje, who has held the seat since 2011.
The governor’s endorsement came on Thursday, October 12, while hosting a delegation from Yamaltu-Deba at the Government House in Gombe. The group, comprising traditional rulers, politicians, technocrats, and representatives of youth and women’s groups, had sought Yahaya’s support for what they termed “equitable representation” in the senatorial district.
Governor Yahaya assured the delegation that their aspirations were justified and promised to take necessary steps to ensure fairness. “I assure you that I will take the necessary steps to ensure that you get equity, fairness, and justice not only in your local government but also across Gombe State and, indeed, Nigeria. By the grace of God, this time around, your aspiration will receive a positive outcome all the way,” he said.
The governor emphasized that democracy must reflect the genuine aspirations of the people rather than serve as a mere political ritual. He underscored inclusivity as a core principle of governance, drawing parallels with past political arrangements in Gombe South Senatorial District, where unity and adherence to democratic principles shaped leadership outcomes.
Yahaya also noted that the state government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are aligned with the demand, describing it as fair, timely, and politically valid. He commended the stakeholders for formally documenting their request, which has been forwarded to President Bola Tinubu, the APC leader, and the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
The delegation had argued that Yamaltu-Deba has been politically marginalized despite its significance within Gombe Central District. Leaders such as Inuwa Garba, member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency; Gombe State House of Assembly members Adamu Pata and Muhammad Kuri; Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Council Chairman Abubakar Difa; and the Emirs of Yamaltu and Deba, Abubakar Aliyu and QS Ahmed Usman, all voiced their concerns.
They pointed out that the senatorial seat has remained in Akko Local Government Area for an extended period and insisted that rotating it to Yamaltu-Deba would promote fairness, political inclusion, and justice within the district.
Senator Danjuma Goje, who served as Gombe State governor from 2003 to 2011, has been a dominant figure in the state’s politics. Despite his considerable influence within the APC and across Nigeria, his relationship with Governor Yahaya has reportedly been strained. Although Goje has yet to officially declare his intention to run for re-election in 2027, political observers suggest he may seek another term, setting the stage for a contentious battle over zoning and political succession.
With Governor Yahaya’s public endorsement of Yamaltu-Deba’s demand, the push for a new senator from the area is expected to gain momentum. As political alignments begin to solidify ahead of the 2027 elections, Gombe Central District could witness a significant shift in representation, driven by calls for equity and inclusivity.
Reported by Nexio News
