Ibrahim Sani shawai
As the political atmosphere in Gombe State gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the people will increasingly be confronted with speeches, promises, accusations and competing claims about the future.
But there is another question worth asking:
Beyond telling us what you will do if elected, what have you done for the people of Gombe State with the opportunities and resources already available to you?
Public office should not be the beginning of service.
Long before an election, people have opportunities to invest in others, create jobs, support communities, mentor young people, build institutions and use their relationships and resources for the benefit of society.
That is why the conversation about 2027 should go beyond promises.
While the political space becomes increasingly noisy, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna has largely maintained a calm disposition, continuing his engagements with communities, political leaders, professionals, retired public servants, traditional stakeholders, youths and women across the state.
In recent months, his aspiration has received endorsements from different groups, including prominent Gombe stakeholders and members of the political family of the late first civilian Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu.
Yet, endorsements should never become an excuse for arrogance.
The greater the support, the greater the responsibility to remain humble.
For Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the task must remain the same: listen to the people, respect everyone, continue building relationships and remain focused on the issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Leadership is not necessarily demonstrated by who talks the most or makes the loudest promises.
Sometimes, leadership is seen in composure under pressure.
It is seen in humility when people honour you.
It is seen in kindness when you have the capacity to help others.
It is seen in what you have done before asking for political power.
And ultimately, for a man of faith, it is demonstrated by doing your part diligently while trusting God with the outcome.
The months ahead will undoubtedly produce more speeches, more promises and more political activity.
But the people of Gombe State can examine something much deeper than words:
What did you do when you did not need our votes?
That is a question every aspirant should be prepared to answer.
Leadership is not only about promising tomorrow. It is also about the evidence of yesterday and the character displayed today.
Ibrahim Sani Shawai
Spokesperson to Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna
24th September, 2026