By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

Prominent political leaders, former public office holders, retired military officers and professionals from Gombe State have endorsed Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna for the 2027 governorship election, signalling an early push to build consensus within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement was announced on Monday during a Gombe State Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Abuja, where participants discussed the state’s political future and strategies for sustaining development, unity and stability.

According to a statement by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Gwamna, the meeting was chaired by the Special Adviser on General Duties to the Vice President, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar.

The gathering attracted four former ministers, four retired Major Generals, a retired Air Vice Marshal, former permanent secretaries, former ambassadors, professors, business leaders, senior administrators and young professionals.

After deliberations, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed Gwamna as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, citing his leadership qualities, developmental vision and commitment to inclusive governance.

They also adopted a roadmap aimed at strengthening the APC’s political structure ahead of the election, stressing that the Gombe State Stakeholders’ Engagement would serve as a voluntary consultative platform to complement existing party and government structures through dialogue, consensus-building and strategic support.

As part of the resolutions reached at the meeting, the stakeholders approved the establishment of Political and Technical Directorates to coordinate policy development, research, stakeholder engagement, political mobilisation and strategic communication.

The forum also inaugurated a High-Powered Reconciliation and Stakeholders’ Engagement Committee to engage former aspirants and their supporters, promote reconciliation and strengthen unity within the party.

In addition, the stakeholders resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state’s 11 local government areas, wards and polling units by encouraging voter registration, civic participation and issue-based campaigns centred on competence, integrity and inclusive governance.

Responding to the endorsement, Gwamna described it as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

“Your endorsement strengthens our resolve to remain focused, disciplined and people-oriented in our mission. Together, we will ensure that development is not only continued but expanded to reach every community, every household and every citizen,” he said.

The endorsement comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship race in Gombe State.