By Ado Bala Marke
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening political crisis in Gombe State as cracks within its ranks widen, triggering a wave of high-profile defections and damaging internal revelations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a major political upset, a prominent PDP stalwart in Funakaye Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf (Walin Funakaye), has officially dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection marks a significant turning point in the political landscape of the area.
Ibrahim Yusuf, a former Chairman of Funakaye LGA and widely regarded as the backbone of the PDP in the locality, announced his resignation on Monday, August 3, 2026. For years, party stakeholders had relied on his leadership to stabilize and unify the PDP in Funakaye during periods of internal weakness.
However, in a decisive move, Yusuf declared his full support for Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe) and the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
His exit is widely seen as a devastating blow to the PDP’s grassroots strength in Funakaye, further weakening the party’s already fragile structure.
Pantami Under Fire as Former Aide Speaks Out
Adding to the PDP’s growing woes, Affan Buba Abuya, a former aide to PDP governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has publicly criticized his former principal in what many observers describe as a damaging insider revelation.
In a strongly worded statement, Abuya accused Pantami of poor human relations, deception, and neglect of key stakeholders in Gombe State.
“If you interact with Isa Ali Pantami for just five minutes, you will lose interest in ever dealing with him again,” Abuya stated.
He further alleged that Pantami has failed to build meaningful relationships within the state, including critical stakeholders.
Abuya also accused the former minister of sidelining indigenes in the award of contracts.
“He has never empowered the people of Gombe through contracts. Instead, he awarded numerous opportunities to outsiders. This clearly shows a lack of commitment to the development of his own people,” he said.
The comments, which have gone viral on social media, have sparked widespread debate. Notably, Pantami has yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Wave of Defections Strengthens APC
Political analysts say the defection of Ibrahim Yusuf, alongside growing dissatisfaction within PDP ranks, reflects a broader shift in Gombe’s political dynamics.
Even more damaging to the PDP is the reported defection of a close ally and longtime supporter of Pantami—believed to be one of the key figures who encouraged his gubernatorial ambition—who has now also joined the APC.
The defection of Architect Dahiru Saidu Nafada from PDP to the APC point to a party rapidly losing confidence among its own members.
Gwamna’s Rising Popularity Driving Momentum
Meanwhile, the APC continues to gain momentum across the state, largely driven by the growing popularity of its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
Gwamna’s engagements across Gombe have resonated strongly with the people, with many citing his clear policy direction, grassroots connection, and development-focused vision as reasons for the increasing wave of defections.
“The people of Gombe are aligning with a leader who understands their needs,” a party chieftain Auwalu Musa Kumo said. “Dr. Gwamna represents competence, inclusiveness, and a new era of progress.”
Another APC supporter, Jibrin Usman added: “What we are witnessing is not just politics—it is a realignment of the future. The PDP is losing relevance, while APC is becoming the natural home for serious politicians.”
With the PDP steadily losing its strongholds and internal discontent becoming more visible, the APC is positioning itself as the dominant force ahead of the 2027 elections.
As defections continue and momentum builds, the APC appears set to consolidate its hold on Gombe State, with Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna emerging as a central figure in the state’s evolving political narrative