Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State have criticised Governor Inuwa Yahaya over alleged moves to replace Senator Danjuma Goje as representative of Gombe Central Senatorial District.
The stakeholders, who described the governor’s move as contrary to the wishes of the people, reaffirmed their support for Goje’s return to the Senate in 2027.
They insisted that the former governor remained the most experienced and widely accepted political figure in the district.
Speaking after an emergency meeting in Gombe on Tuesday, the group said its position followed recent political developments, including engagements involving some government officials and the governor.
Prof Mustapha Yahaya of Federal University Kashere, who addressed journalists on behalf of the stakeholders, said democracy must reflect the will of the people, stressing that Goje’s track record and experience make him best suited to continue in office.
“Democracy is fundamentally anchored on the will of the people, credible representation, and proven leadership.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not restrict legislative continuity, thereby allowing the electorate to retain leaders who have demonstrated competence and consistent performance,” he said.
He added that Goje’s years in public service have translated into tangible development, effective advocacy, and visible impact across the state.
The stakeholders also aligned with their counterparts in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, who had earlier, on April 3, 2026, endorsed both Goje’s re-election bid and President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
They noted that the senator continued to enjoy strong grassroots support across Gombe Central, stressing that legislative continuity would enhance representation and attract more federal projects to the area.
The group further criticised the APC’s performance in the 2023 general elections in the state, alleging that poor political strategy and the exclusion of key stakeholders contributed to the party’s losses.
According to them, the APC lost two of the three senatorial seats and five out of six House of Representatives seats, with victories recorded only in Gombe Central.
They accused the governor of sidelining experienced politicians, including Goje, during the presidential campaign, a development they said weakened the party’s chances.
“The governor performed very poorly. The APC lost in his polling unit, ward, local government, and the entire Gombe North Senatorial District during both the presidential and National Assembly elections in 2023,” the stakeholders alleged.
Saidu Kumo, speaking on behalf of the group, urged the party leadership to uphold internal democracy and respect the will of members and constituents in selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, performed very poorly. APC not only lost in his polling unit (Yahaya Umaru Polling Unit -010), but the party lost in his ward, local government and indeed his entire Gombe North Senatorial district during both the Presidential and National Assembly elections held in 2023.
“Throughout the 2023 presidential campaign, the governor excluded some experienced stakeholders such as Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje and others. That was why the party failed woefully,” he added.
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