Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State for the 2027 general elections, has called on other governorship candidates to participate in a public debate. According to Ibrahim Sani Shawai, Gwamna's spokesman, the debate should be issues-based and focus on the development of Gombe State. Gwamna is said to be ahead of others in welcoming the debate.
About ten political parties, including APC, PDP, ADC, LP, YPP, NDC, SDP, APM, Accord, and others, have presented governorship candidates in Gombe State for the 2027 elections. However, there have been insinuations that some candidates are objecting to the idea of a public debate. Gwamna's team has stated that the debate should go beyond rhetoric, accusations, and campaign propaganda.
Shawai emphasized that leadership should be assessed through experience, capacity, relationships, records, and measurable results. He stated that politics and governance are not an endless contest of words, but rather about people, relationships, capacity, experience, institutions, and results. Gwamna would be available to engage other contenders on issues concerning Gombe State's development.
The proposed debate should provide an opportunity for candidates to present their records and explain what they have achieved with opportunities previously available to them. Issues such as human capital development, employment, education, healthcare, agriculture, water, infrastructure, investment, industrialization, youth, and women empowerment should form part of the debate.
Shawai challenged other candidates to come to any debate with verifiable records rather than relying solely on promises. He said, "Let us put the records on the table. Let us debate records, not rhetoric; impact, not propaganda; people, not promises." This, he believes, will enable voters to make informed decisions.
The spokesman reiterated that Gwamna is ready to participate in the proposed debate, saying the APC candidate would be prepared to discuss his record, vision, and plans for the future of Gombe State. Gwamna's willingness to engage in a public debate has been seen as a positive step towards a more transparent and accountable electoral process.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, political activities are gaining momentum in Gombe State. Gwamna's challenge to other governorship candidates has sparked a renewed call for issue-based campaigns and transparent leadership. The outcome of this challenge remains to be seen, but it has certainly raised the stakes for the upcoming elections.
Key points
- Gwamna challenges other governorship candidates to a public debate.
- The debate should be issues-based and focus on the development of Gombe State.
- Gwamna is ready to discuss his record, vision, and plans for the future of Gombe State.
