The inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign and advisory councils in Gombe State has been marred by the absence of two prominent former governors, Danjuma Goje and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo. Despite being listed among the council members, they failed to attend the ceremony, sparking concerns about the party's efforts to unite influential figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who inaugurated the councils, had urged party members to reconcile differences and intensify grassroots mobilisation.
Goje and Dankwambo hold significant positions in the state's political landscape, with Goje currently serving as a Senator. Their absence has raised questions about whether the party's leadership has secured their active participation or merely included their names on the councils. Abdu Isah, a resident of Federal Lowcost Gombe, noted that their absence suggests that the party's leadership may not have their active commitment to the campaign.
The lists released by the APC show that Goje was listed at number six and five on the advisory council, while Dankwambo, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was listed at seven and six on the advisory council. Isah said that the inclusion of the two former governors indicates that the APC leadership recognises the importance of accommodating influential political figures in its electoral structure.
Political commentator Sallau Yahya noted that the participation of influential figures like Goje and Dankwambo could significantly impact the party's grassroots strength. Their political networks, loyalists, and ability to mobilise supporters could contribute to the party's chances in the forthcoming elections. However, Yahya added that their absence does not necessarily mean they have rejected the APC's campaign or intend to oppose its candidates.
Efforts to reach out to Dankwambo for comment were unsuccessful, but his media aide, Husaini Ali Mohammed, denied that the former governor was aware of or consented to his inclusion in the APC's campaign committees. Mohammed said that Dankwambo would issue an official statement to clarify his position, raising questions about whether the party consulted him before including his name on the lists.
The response from Dankwambo's aide has sparked concerns about the circumstances surrounding his inclusion in the APC's campaign committees. As a prominent PDP figure in Gombe State, Dankwambo's potential involvement in the APC's campaign could have significant implications for the party's electoral prospects. The APC leadership's decision to include him in the councils has raised questions about the party's strategy and commitment to unity.
The absence of Goje and Dankwambo from the inauguration has highlighted the challenges facing the APC leadership in uniting influential figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. As the party prepares for a competitive election, the participation of key stakeholders like Goje and Dankwambo could be crucial in determining its chances of success.
Key points
- The absence of Goje and Dankwambo from the APC campaign council inauguration has raised concerns about party unity and their potential involvement in the party's campaign.
- The inclusion of Dankwambo, a PDP member, in the APC's campaign committees has sparked questions about the party's strategy and commitment to unity.
- The participation of influential figures like Goje and Dankwambo could significantly impact the APC's grassroots strength and electoral prospects.
