PDP Faces Fresh Setbacks in Gombe as Key Figures Defect, Former Pantami Aide Levels Criticism
By Bala Salihu Dawakin KuduDemocracy Newsline Northern Bureau ChiefAugust 5, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State is facing renewed political challenges following a series of high-profile defections and public criticism from within its ranks, developments that political observers say could reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest setback came with the resignation of a prominent PDP stalwart in Funakaye Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, popularly known as Walin Funakaye, who has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Yusuf, a former Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area and a long-serving party leader, announced his resignation on Monday, August 3, 2026, ending years of political association with the PDP. During his time in the opposition party, he was widely regarded by supporters as one of the key figures responsible for sustaining the PDP’s political structure in Funakaye, particularly during periods of internal disagreement.
In announcing his decision, Yusuf pledged his support for Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe) and expressed his commitment to working with the APC leadership, including the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Political analysts believe his departure could weaken the PDP’s grassroots influence in Funakaye, an area traditionally considered strategically important in the state’s electoral calculations.
Former Pantami Aide Raises Concerns
Adding to the party’s challenges, Affan Buba Abuya, identified as a former aide to PDP governorship candidate Professor Isa Ali Pantami, publicly criticized his former principal in a statement that has attracted widespread attention across social media and political circles.
In the statement, Abuya accused Pantami of maintaining poor relationships with political associates and stakeholders. He also alleged that the former minister failed to adequately involve Gombe indigenes in the award of contracts during his time in public office.
Among his remarks, Abuya stated:
“If you interact with Isa Ali Pantami for just five minutes, you will lose interest in ever dealing with him again.”
He further alleged that many business opportunities were awarded to individuals outside Gombe State rather than to local contractors, describing the situation as evidence of insufficient commitment to empowering people from the state.
The allegations have generated significant public discussion online and among political stakeholders. As of the time this report was filed, Professor Pantami had not publicly responded to the claims, and Democracy Newsline had not independently verified the allegations.
Defections Continue to Test PDP
The PDP’s internal difficulties appear to extend beyond Funakaye. Reports indicate that several influential members have recently left the party, including Architect Dahiru Saidu Nafada, who has also joined the APC.
Political observers say the recent defections reflect broader dissatisfaction among some party members, although the PDP has continued to maintain structures across the state and has not officially commented on the reported impact of the departures.
Analysts note that sustained defections, if they continue, could affect the opposition party’s preparations for the 2027 elections and influence future political alignments across Gombe State.
APC Expresses Confidence Ahead of 2027
Within the APC, party members say the recent influx of defectors reflects growing confidence in the party’s leadership and vision for the state.
Supporters have also pointed to the political engagements of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, arguing that his consultations with communities and stakeholders have strengthened the APC’s grassroots appeal.
Speaking on the developments, APC chieftain Auwalu Musa Kumo said the party believes its message is resonating with voters.
“The people of Gombe are aligning with a leader who understands their needs. Dr. Gwamna represents competence, inclusiveness and a vision for continued development,” he said.
Another APC supporter, Jibrin Usman, described the recent defections as evidence of changing political dynamics.
“What we are witnessing is a major political realignment. More politicians are identifying with the APC as preparations for 2027 gather momentum,” he said.
Political Landscape Continues to Evolve
With less than a year before major preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, political activities in Gombe State are becoming increasingly competitive. Both the APC and the PDP are expected to intensify consultations, membership drives and campaign strategies as they seek to strengthen their positions.
While the APC views the recent defections as an indication of growing public support, the PDP still retains notable political figures and supporters across the state. Observers say the coming months will reveal whether the current trend represents a lasting political shift or a temporary phase in the state’s evolving political landscape.
For now, the latest defections and internal disagreements have added a new dimension to Gombe politics, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the state’s most closely watched electoral contests in recent history.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 5TH AUGUST, 2026)
