A coalition of stakeholders from opposition political parties in Gombe State has decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors, who were from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party pledged their allegiance to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and the governorship aspiration of Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
The group said its decision is based on a review of results of primary elections held by their former political parties.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Prof Sulaiman Dankande, Nura Abba, Abdullah Amtai, Dedan Mela and Murtala Usman Dukku, said that members resolved to join the APC and work for the emergence of Gwamna as governor in 2027.
The defectors were formally received into the APC by the party chairman in Gombe Local Government Area, Idris Saleh, it was learnt.
Saleh handed them APC membership cards and welcomed them to the ruling party.
The coalition members said their move to the APC was premised on political conviction and the need to align with a platform that could better serve the interest of the state.
They also vowed to work for the success of Tinubu and Gwamna in the next general elections.
The primary elections in their former parties, the outcome of which influenced the decision to look for a new political platform, they said.
They said the development had compelled them to review their political direction before 2027.
After wide consultations among their members and supporters, they agreed to join the APC and support its candidates at national and state levels, they said.
The defection is expected to contribute to the wave of political movements already happening in Gombe State as the parties prepare for the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, former APC National Youth Leader, Sadiq Abubakar has emerged the governorship candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State.
Abubakar announced his emergence soon after winning the party’s governorship primary election.
His victory comes just weeks after he quit the APC over economic hardship and discontent with policies of the ruling party.
Abubakar said his decision to join the NDC was born out of his desire to be part of a political platform that guarantees transparent and credible primaries elections.
He said the party gave him the opportunity to pursue his political ambition and render service to the people of Gombe State.
According to him, his move to the NDC was also in line with his commitment to contribute to the political development of the state.
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