By Kabir Musa
As political discourse intensifies throughout Gombe State, public consideration is more and more shifting towards the potential successors of the present administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya within the 2027 basic election. Little question, the governor has left an indelible footprint within the sands of historical past of the Gombe the “Jewel within the Savannah”, a state that’s enviably turning into the {economic} hub of not solely the northeast, however the whole northern Nigeria. Gov. Inuwa’s astronomical efficiency within the final seven years has additional redefined potentialities.
Not solely has Governor Yahaya remodeled Gombe infrastructurally, Gombe has additionally develop into a melting level of ethnic and spiritual tolerance. Pointless to reiterate the significance of peace and stability in any progressing society. But, all of the progress of the final 7 years will quantity to nothing if a befitting successor who will proceed with the gorgeous insurance policies and programmes of governor Yahaya doesn’t succeed him.
So, because the get together navigates this essential juncture, the main focus and certainly, the crucial for figuring out a candidate who can construct on Governor Yahaya’s legacy and propel Gombe State ahead can by no means be overemphasised.
Right here, the notion {that a} chief’s success is commonly measured by the competence of their successor turns into a timeless adage that’s each instructive and contingent. Given the governor’s high-stake efficiency within the final seven years, prime contenders for his job should current credentials giving them the qualities of a successor worthy sufficient to take over the mantle of management within the state.
However as all the time, the search for a worthy successor will not be solely delicate, it has been fraught with harmful penalties. On this sense, subsequently, Governor Yahaya’s administration is, at this materials time, being put to the check, because the APC seeks to establish the successor that may carry the torch ahead. The get together’s determination will probably be influenced by components such because the aspirant’s capacity to keep up stability, construct on current tasks, and encourage confidence among the many various inhabitants of the state.
To land the proper man for the job, a serious consideration of the get together have to be the candidate’s imaginative and prescient for the state’s future, their dedication to the APC’s values, and their capacity to attach with the voters. Different key concerns should embody the candidate’s observe report, their community and alliances throughout the get together, and their capacity to navigate the complexities of Gombe’s politics, however most significantly, the popular candidate should command acceptability throughout boards.
The chosen candidate will probably be anticipated to know methods to stability the expectations of varied stakeholders, together with the governor, get together leaders, and the folks of Gombe. Whereas this may occasionally seem easy, it’s, in reality, the distinction between a successor who understands his position as a runner within the governance marathon as in opposition to one who works at cross goal.
In the end, the APC’s determination could have far-reaching implications for the way forward for Gombe State. Up to now, a number of aspirants have signified curiosity from throughout the get together in what means that the governor’s legacy is in good palms. Everybody of those people have various expertise and experiences, which bode properly for the state’s future.
Nonetheless, as a result of Governor Yahaya’s personal legacy can also be at stake, his capacity to provide a reliable successor will probably be seen as a mirrored image of his management and its sustainability. Subsequently, a profitable transition will cement his place in Gombe’s historical past as a pacesetter who not solely delivered outcomes but additionally ensured continuity by handing over to appropriate substitute.
Because the APC embarks on this journey, it should take notice that the folks of Gombe State are observing intently, desperate to see who will succeed the governor and chart the state’s course for the following chapter. So, there’s little margin for error
The considering then, have to be that the would-be successor instructions a novel energy, similar to expertise in governance, finance, and youth empowerment. The APC has emphasised that the selection of successor will probably be a collective determination, prioritising continuity and stability.
Because it stands, the APC is spoilt for alternative with an array of hopefuls and outstanding contenders at present dominating the headlines. Whereas some have virtually proven curiosity albeit official, political pundits have began mentioning names.
These embody: Arc. Yunusa Yakubu, a distinguished architect. Yunusa Yakubu has constructed a repute for designing very important public infrastructure, together with colleges and authorities convention centres. Political analysts recommend that his skilled experience in city improvement, mixed with a rising grassroots enchantment, makes him a formidable “technocrat” candidate.
One other title going round is that of, Dr. Abdulsalam Yahaya Ahmed who’s being thought of for his “homegrown” method to funding. Whereas many members of the elite concentrate on Abuja or Lagos, he has prioritised native improvement in Gombe. As a former MD/CEO of Federal Mortgage {Bank} and Board Member of NATFUND, he oversaw important infrastructure tasks, together with however not restricted to the supply of housing infrastructure (Gombe Funding housing property, Labour Quarters, Babayo Goje housing property, amongst others), job creation for a whole bunch of Gombe indigenes within the Federal Authorities.
In his position as Government Director, Operations, of NEDC, Dr. Abdulsalam oversaw the development and rehabilitation of many colleges, hospitals and roads/bridges, the set up of photo voltaic streetlights, and the supply of boreholes in addition to the distribution of palliatives the place and when wanted. His philanthropic efforts in meals safety have earned him the repute of a pacesetter who’s deeply linked to the plenty.
Additionally, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, the present Federal Minister of Transportation, brings important nationwide weight to the race. His expertise within the federal cupboard and his established affect inside Gombe political panorama present him with a robust basis to mobilise assist in the course of the get together primaries. He was Senator representing Gombe north senatorial district for 2 phrases earlier than he was appointed Minister by President Bola Tinubu administration.
Nonetheless from the identical native authorities space with Senator Alkali, a outstanding APC stalwart, Dr. Bello Maigari (Tafidan Dukku) is alleged to be nursing ambition and should throw his hat within the 2027 race. Although he maintains a low profile regionally, Dr. Bello Maigari is an influence participant within the nation’s capital. Serving in numerous federal capacities, he’s identified to have a really shut relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This proximity to the presidency, coupled along with his administrative expertise, positions him as a high-stakes contender for 2027.
There are additionally some who’ve determined to maintain their ambitions near their chest, perhaps for strategic causes. One in all them is the current accountant basic of the state, Aminu Yuguda. Yuguda is believed to be within the race as his posters have been seen on a number of components of the state at the same time as his supporters have since start a push in the direction of actualising such dream. As the present Accountant Basic of Gombe State, Aminu Yuguda holds a strategic place. His deep understanding of the state’s fiscal administration and the interior workings of the present administration makes him a candidate to observe. Analysts imagine his grasp of governance logistics supplies him with a novel benefit.
Additionally, Jamilu Gwamna’s unprecedented keep within the State and the fanfare that greeted his APC membership validation and subsequent donation of giant sum to the assorted organs of the get together amongst different components means that Dr. Jamilu Ishyaku Gwamna can also be within the race although like others, he’s but to make any official assertion. Dr. Jamil is a widely known determine in Gombe politics. His legacy is tied to youth empowerment. Throughout his tenure within the energy sector in Kano, he was credited with securing jobs for quite a few Gombe youths. His observe report as a serious employer of labour within the state continues to gas his reputation among the many youthful demographic.
One other sturdy can be contender, maybe, the strongest of the lot so far as these but to declare their curiosity is anxious, is Prof. Isah Ali Pantami, the previous Minister of Communications and Digital Financial system. Pantami is a family title nationally. Recognized for his tutorial brilliance and structured management model, Pantami appeals to voters who prioritise mental sagacity and a modernised method to governance. He additionally was in Gombe and was welcomed by a mammoth crowd in the course of the APC membership revalidation train. This was at a time speculations had been rife that he could be a part of the opposition ADC. But, his current actions together with donating to the get together, seems to should relaxation all of the speculations and strengthen the folks’s perception that he’ll be within the race.
There’s additionally, Sarkin Fulani Gombe, a seasoned {financial} professional and politician, Sarkin Fulani Gombe boasts an in depth community that spans native, nationwide, and worldwide circles. His capacity to bridge the hole between conventional affect and trendy {financial} experience makes him a extremely influential issue within the 2027 calculations.
A easy and seamless choice course of for the Gombe APC governorship candidate can yield important benefits. When a celebration presents a united entrance, with candidates rising from primaries with minimal rancour, the opposition is left with fewer scandals to take advantage of. That is notably essential in Gombe, the place the APC is looking for to construct on Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s legacy and safe one other time period in workplace with a line up of competent candidates.
In politics, notion is vital, and a harmonious main course of can create a robust narrative of get together unity and energy. This may enhance the eventual candidate’s momentum, permitting them to concentrate on key marketing campaign points somewhat than inside get together squabbles. A united get together additionally enhances the candidate’s credibility and legitimacy, making it tougher for opponents to realize traction.
Conversely, a contentious main can present the opposition with precious ammunition, creating divisions and weakening the get together’s construction. When inside conflicts spill into the general public area, it distracts from the important thing marketing campaign points and erodes the candidate’s credibility. The opposition can capitalise on these divisions, exploiting the ruling get together’s vulnerabilities and gaining a bonus within the course of.
The Gombe APC can study from previous experiences, prioritising a peaceable and inclusive choice course of to make sure a robust, united entrance for the 2027 elections. By doing so, the get together can minimise opposition assault factors, showcase its unity and energy, and concentrate on delivering its message to the folks. In the end, a easy transition will probably be essential in securing one other time period in workplace and persevering with the progress made below Governor Yahaya’s administration.
For the APC, getting it incorrect will not be an possibility. It’s, nonetheless, left to be seen the way it can handle the expectations of all of the array of certified and competent contenders in its ranks.
Musa writes from T/Wada, Gombe.