In Gombe State, Nigeria, a coalition of opposition political parties has formed a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), denouncing the current administration as incompetent and vowing to oust them from power in the upcoming 2027 elections. This coalition, operating under the banner of the United Group to Save Gombe State from the Menace of All Progressives Congress, comprises prominent parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP). Their primary objective is to rescue the state from what they perceive as the APC’s failing leadership and usher in an era of much-needed development and progress.
The coalition’s spokesperson, Jibrin Barde, the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, articulated the group’s grievances, citing a severe lack of infrastructure development, deteriorating public services, and widespread economic hardship under the current APC administration. Barde highlighted the dilapidated state of hospitals and schools, the lack of support for struggling businesses, and the pervasive insecurity plaguing the state. He argued that the APC’s incompetence mirrored the failings of the national government, necessitating a united opposition front to bring about meaningful change. This coalition, according to Barde, represents a clarion call to all citizens of conscience to join forces and remove the APC from office.
Barde emphasized that the coalition’s focus is not on individual ambitions or personal gain but on the collective welfare of the people of Gombe State. He stressed that the movement transcends individual political aspirations and is solely driven by the desire to install competent leadership capable of addressing the state’s pressing challenges. While acknowledging his own political aspirations, Barde asserted that the coalition’s primary goal is to unite all individuals under a common umbrella to achieve the shared objective of effective governance. He reiterated that personal ambitions are secondary to the overriding need for positive change in Gombe State.
The Social Democratic Party’s chairman, Modibbo Adamu, echoed Barde’s sentiments, urging Gombe residents to actively support the coalition’s efforts. He emphasized the collective nature of the movement, stating that it transcends individual party lines and focuses on the common good of the state. While acknowledging the ongoing discussions regarding the coalition at the national level, Adamu assured the people of Gombe State that the SDP is fully committed to the cause and ready to make the necessary sacrifices to remove the APC from power. He emphasized that the United Group to Save Gombe State is a powerful force for change and urged everyone to join their ranks.
The formation of this coalition signifies a significant development in Gombe State’s political landscape. It represents a concerted effort by opposition parties to challenge the APC’s dominance and offer an alternative vision for the state’s future. By uniting under a shared platform, these parties aim to amplify their voices and mobilize support for their cause. The coalition’s success hinges on its ability to effectively address the concerns of the electorate and present a compelling alternative to the current administration. The upcoming 2027 elections will serve as a crucial test of the coalition’s strength and its ability to translate public discontent into electoral victory.
The coalition’s emergence highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s performance in Gombe State. The issues raised by the coalition – lack of infrastructure development, deteriorating public services, economic hardship, and insecurity – resonate deeply with many residents. The coalition’s ability to capitalize on these grievances and mobilize support will be crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections. The coming months will witness a fierce political battle as the coalition seeks to unseat the incumbent APC and usher in a new era of leadership in Gombe State. The success of their efforts will ultimately depend on their ability to convince the electorate that they offer a viable and credible alternative to the current administration.
