12/08/2025
Gombe 2027: A Comprehensive Look at Governorship Contenders
The race to occupy the Government House in Gombe come 2027 is shaping up to be the most competitive in the state’s history. With political heavyweights, technocrats, grassroots mobilizers, and emerging reformers all eyeing the top job, the coming months.
Here's a randomized list of 19 likely contenders for the Gombe 2027 governorship election, including brief profiles and a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), in no particular order:
1. Muhammad Jibrin Barde (Dan Barde)
Profile: A seasoned banker turned politician and philanthropist. Currently a Director at Premium Pensions and PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate. In the State.
SWOT:
Strengths: Strong financial background, well-known philanthropist, wide popularity.
Weaknesses: Perceived arrogance, tribal sentiments.
Opportunities: Has the potential to lead a governance reform campaign; enjoys broad appeal in Gombe.
Threats: Party instability and past shifts between political affiliations may affect him.
2. Prof. Ali Isa Pantami
Profile: Cleric and politician; former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, DG, NITDA.
SWOT:
Strengths: National recognition, digital economy expertise, and influential connections.
Weaknesses: Controversial past comments, religious biases, perception of dishonesty.
Opportunities: Could position Gombe as a tech-driven state.
Threats: Religious sentiments and regional imbalance concerns.
Note: His political godfather is deceased, possibly weakening his support base.
3. Prof. Abubakar Ibrahim Njodi
Profile: Current Secretary to the State Government; former Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri.
SWOT:
Strengths: High-level administrative experience, access to federal networks, respected by traditional institutions.
Weaknesses: Weak grassroots appeal, limited financial war chest.
Opportunities: Could be positioned as a legacy candidate for continuity.
As well as southern zone Preparable candidate as they have never produce a governor from the zone since the assumption of the state.
Threats: Low public excitement and internal party dynamics.
4. Dr. Jamilu Isiaka Gwamna (Sarduanan Gombe)
Profile: Former MD of Kano Electricity Distribution Company, political figure, and philanthropist.
SWOT:
Strengths: Broad political acceptability, philanthropic record.
Weaknesses: Seen as inconsistent in party loyalty; elite-focused.
Opportunities: Potential unifier within APC; could ride on popular sentiment.
Threats: Past financial issues and strong competition.
5. Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar
Profile: Former FCT Minister and technocrat; currently Special Adviser to the V.P.
SWOT:
Strengths: Deep intellectual and technocratic experience.
Weaknesses: Low grassroots visibility; quiet political profile.
Opportunities: Could ride a technocratic reform wave.
Threats: May struggle with party ticket due to weak local political base.
6. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo world.
Profile: Chief Whip, House of Representatives; former Local Government Chairman Akko LGA
SWOT:
Strengths: Grassroots mobilizer, national lawmaker, perceived as a strong contender for continuity of APC to be on power.
Weaknesses: Seen as loyal to the incumbent, which may be a liability.
Opportunities: Strong ties with southern Gombe people; he is occupying strategic position in house of representatives.
Threats: Arrogance perception, internal party conflicts.
7. Sen. Saidu Ahmad Alkali
Profile: Current Minister of Transportation and respected former Senator.
SWOT:
Strengths: Experience, respected in his zone.
Weaknesses: Silent political posture; intra-party rivalry.
Opportunities: Could emerge as a consensus candidate.
Threats: Zoning challenges and unclear ambitions.
8. Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara (Kaura Kaltungo)
Profile: Businessman with elite Middlebelt connections; MD of Mesotho Group and Kugbo International Market, Abuja.
SWOT:
Strengths: Calm, business-focused,from southern zone of Gombe .
Weaknesses: Limited political experience; no clear structure on the ground.
His Religion may not favour him
Opportunities: Could consolidate southern Christian and minority votes with alliances with other zone he may surprise everyone.
Threats: Cash-driven politics with lack of willingness to spend, may not enjoy incumbent support.
9. Hon. Ali Isa JC Makama Cham.
Profile: Minority Leader, House of Representatives.
SWOT:
Strengths: Youth-friendly, gender-inclusive, experienced legislator.
Knowledge of grassroot politics in Gombe State
Weaknesses: PDP’s internal instability may affect him
Opportunities: Could capitalize on calls for change and Southern inclusion to clance the party ticket and with coalition he may become the next governor of Gombe State.
Threats: party polarization may work against him.
10. Dr. Aminu Umaru Yuguda
Profile: Accountant General of Gombe State.
SWOT:
Strengths: Financial expertise, accessible public figure.
Weaknesses: Politically inexperienced if zoning is involved he may not be the favorite.
Opportunities: May appeal to middle-class and technocrats.
Threats: Limited grassroots structure, poor funding.and limited connection.
11. Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki
Profile: Founder, Mailantarki Care Foundation; former lawmaker; 2023 NNPP guber candidate. Currently with PDP.
SWOT:
Strengths: Strong grassroots presence, youth mobilizer.
Weaknesses: Party instability; ongoing realignment may not favour him.
Opportunities: Rising popularity across religious and ethnic divides
Threats: Elite resistance and factional opposition.
13. Babayo Ardo Kumo
Profile: Permanent Secretary, Niger Delta Development Affairs; national figure.
SWOT:
Strengths: Fulani loyalty base, deep administrative experience.federal connection.
Weaknesses: Lacks full-state popularity,
Opportunities: May surprise rivals with strong funding and connection.
Threats: Zoning and past controversies could be liabilities.
14. Bala Bello Tinka (Fagacin Yamaltu Deba)
Profile: Director, Tinka Point; businessman and philanthropist.
SWOT:
Strengths: Widely loved, grassroots-friendly.
Weaknesses: Not seen as elite; lacks governance experience.
Opportunities: Bridge-builder may be accepted as optional candidates.
Threats: Fierce political competition from Party members.
15. AVM Shehu Adamu Fura (Rtd.) Owner of Adamu Fura House Nursing College and many philatropist donation to many less privilege people
Profile: Retired Air Vice Marshal, philanthropist, and Quantity Surveyor
SWOT:
Strengths: Security experience, discipline, respected figure and developmental expert
Weaknesses: Inexperienced politically; no solid structure
Opportunities: Security-conscious electorate may favor him,
Threats: Weak politically financial and exposure challenge.
16. Muhammed Gambo Magaji
Profile: Commissioner of Finance, Gombe State.
SWOT:
Strengths: Strong behind-the-scenes influence and Tactical.
Weaknesses: Low public profile.
Opportunities: Surprise candidate if supported by key players.
Threats: Internal APC Struggle and zoning.
17. Aliyu Hammadu Kangiwa Gombe
Profile: Prominent son of Gombe; traditional ties.
SWOT:
Strengths: Youth appeal, legacy advantage.
Weaknesses: Royal connection may stir bias.
Opportunities: Defender of traditional values.
Culture and heritage.
Threats: Lacks political presence and will.
18 Barr Victor Laima
Profile A farmer,
former NBA Chairman Gombe Branch
SWOT:
Strengths: Strong behind the scenes influence and Tactical among his people.
Weaknesses: Low public profile financial constraints.
Opportunities: Surprise candidate if supported by key players.
Zoning may favour him.
Threats: strong elite candidates may intimidate him.
19. Arch Yunusa Yakubu
Profile: CEO Matrix Construction Company
SWOT:
Strengths: influence and Technocrats.
Weaknesses: high public profile
Opportunities: Surprise candidate if supported by key players.
Threats: Internal APC Struggle and zoning
Conclusion
The 2027 Gombe State governorship election is a fascinating battleground where ambition, zoning, grassroots mobilization, and technocratic expertise will clash. Each candidate brings a unique combination of assets and vulnerabilities, and the political chessboard is wide open.
As an observer of Nigeria’s political terrain, I believe Gombe has a rare opportunity to choose between popularity and preparedness. The winner will likely be the one who can build cross-zonal alliances, manage internal party dynamics, and present a clear vision for economic revival, security, and inclusive governance.
Let the debates begin.
We will continue to bring you detailed profiles of each contender as the race unfolds.
Micoco
📧 [email protected]
📞 08133328570
