Dr Jamilu Ishiaku Gwamna has won the APC's governorship primary in Gombe State. He'll represent the party in next year's election.
Voters across all 11 local government areas participated in the exercise. A total of 556,081 accredited voters took part, according to officials.
Gwamna polled 247,161 votes to secure the ticket. The primary was conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.
Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi chaired the election committee. He announced the results after the voting concluded.
Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, a former Communications Minister, came second with 12,120 votes. Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, ex-Transportation Minister, finished third with 11,612 votes.
Danladi formally declared Gwamna the winner at the announcement ceremony. "I hereby declare Jamilu Ishiaku Gwamna as the duly elected governorship candidate," he said.
Both Pantami and Senator Alkali had submitted withdrawal letters before voting ended. Their names still appeared on ballot papers as a result.
Votes were still recorded for them despite the withdrawals, officials noted. The committee received the letters after the electoral process had already begun.
Danladi praised the APC's national and state leadership for their backing. Such support, he noted, ensured the primary's smooth conduct.
Election committee members also deserved recognition for their dedication, the chairman added. Security agencies kept the process peaceful and orderly throughout.
Governor Yahaya created a level playing field for every aspirant, Danladi acknowledged. Party members and Gombe residents maintained peaceful conduct during voting.
Gwamna's political journey spans nearly two decades of electoral contests. He ran for governor under the PDP in both 2018 and 2022.
He finished runner-up in both PDP primaries, sources confirmed. Before switching parties, he'd contested under the ANPP in 2007.
He lost that 2007 race to incumbent Governor Muhammad Danjuma Goje. Goje was representing the PDP at that time.
Beyond politics, Gwamna held significant corporate positions in his career. He managed the Kano Electricity Distribution Company for a period.
He also chaired the Gombe State Water Corporation as an executive official. These roles showcased his experience in public service management.
His candidacy represents a shift in his political alignment and strategy. The APC nomination comes after years of unsuccessful PDP primary bids.
Political watchers say his experience could strengthen the APC's chances in Gombe. The 2027 election remains highly competitive across most states.
