A coalition, the Gombe State Unity Alliance Movement, has advocated a shift of governorship power to Gombe South Senatorial District and endorsed former Commissioner for Works, Abubakar Bappah, for the state’s top seat.
The group made its position known during a solidarity visit to Bappah at his residence in the GRA area of Gombe on Wednesday.
The coalition, comprising political stakeholders, elders, women and youths drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, said the visit was also to convey Sallah greetings and formally encourage Bappah to contest the governorship seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on behalf of the group, its convener, Alhaji Ali Garba, described Bappah as a competent and visionary leader capable of consolidating on the achievements of the current administration.
Garba said Bappah’s experience and grassroots appeal positioned him as a strong contender for the governorship.
He noted that since the creation of the state, Gombe North had produced former governors Abubakar Hashidu, Hassan Dankwambo and the incumbent governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, while Gombe Central produced former governor Danjuma Goje.
According to him, Gombe South remains the only zone yet to produce a governor, making a power shift necessary to promote fairness and inclusiveness.
“The time has come to ensure equity and fairness through inclusive political representation,” Garba said.
Leaders from other senatorial districts also pledged their support for the aspiration.
A representative from Gombe North, Alhaji Baba Buba Kawuwa, alongside stakeholders from Gombe Central and South, including Benjamin Abner Mamman and Christopher Tal, assured of their readiness to mobilise support across the state.
They said resources and grassroots structures would be deployed to ensure the success of Bappah’s ambition.
Responding, Bappah appreciated the delegation for the visit and endorsement, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership.
He confirmed his intention to contest in the forthcoming governorship election, expressing confidence in his experience, capacity and vision to lead the state effectively.
Bappah also reiterated the call for power rotation, stressing that allowing Gombe South to produce the next governor would promote justice and political balance.
He expressed confidence that the leadership of Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya would ensure a fair and credible process in the emergence of a candidate.
