By: Monday Munkaila, Gombe
Gubernatorial candidate of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, on Thursday, received a boost to his ambition of becoming the next elected Governor of the State as two prominent politicians joined his campaign train after decamping to the PDP.
Leading the pack is the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), in the 2023 general elections in Gombe State, Kelmi Lazarus, who defected to the PDP.
He has therefore declared his support for the party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Kelmi Lazarus, aside from flying the SDP flag in the 2023 governorship election, previously served as the party’s State Chairman, but announced his defection in a statement he issued, stating that the decision followed extensive consultations with his supporters.
The former General Manager of Gombe Radio Corporation stated he was convinced that Pantami possesses the leadership qualities required to move the state forward.
According to him, “I joined the Peoples Democratic Party after careful consideration and consultation with my supporters. My decision is based on my conviction that Professor Isa Ali Pantami possesses the vision, competence, integrity and leadership capacity required to provide purposeful governance and advance the development of Gombe State.”
Kelmi Lazarus described the PDP candidate as the most qualified contender in the governorship race and urged his supporters and the people of Gombe State to back Ali Pantami in the interest of the state’s development.
“Professor Pantami stands out as the most qualified candidate in this race. I therefore call on my supporters and the good people of Gombe State to rally behind the PDP in our collective interest for the progress and prosperity of the state,” he added.
Reacting to the development, the Gombe State chapter of the PDP described Kelmi Lazarus’ defection as a significant boost to the party’s growing support base.
The party stated that the decision reflected increasing confidence among political leaders and stakeholders in Pantami’s leadership and the PDP’s vision for the state.
The PDP welcomed Kelmi Lazarus and his supporters into its fold, assuring them of equal opportunities to contribute to its efforts to build what it described as “a more united, peaceful and prosperous Gombe State.”
In the same vein, Air Vice Marshal B.A. Sani (Rtd), has announced his defection in to the PDP, declaring his strong backing for the candidature of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for Gombe Governor come 2027.
The PDP warmly welcomed the official defection of Air Vice Marshal B.A. Sani, a distinguished son of the Cham community from Balanga South, Balanga Local Government Area, describing it as one of the most significant addition to the party’s population.
Speaking on his decision to join the PDP, B.A. Sani said he was inspired by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s exceptional leadership qualities, proven competence, integrity, visionary leadership, wealth of administrative experience, and remarkable record of public service.
He noted that Professor Ali Pantami possesses the capacity, experience, and commitment to provide purposeful leadership, foster unity, drive sustainable development, and improve the lives of the people of Gombe State.
He therefore declared his unwavering support for Professor Ali Pantami’s governorship ambition and all PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He was formally received into the party by the Gombe State PDP Chairman, Major General A.K. Kwaskebe (Rtd), alongside Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and other senior party leaders.
The PDP believes the development further strengthens its growing support across Gombe State and reflects the increasing confidence that respected leaders and stakeholders continue to place in the party’s vision of inclusive governance, progress, and prosperity.
The party warmly welcomed Kelmi Lazarus and Air Vice Marshal B.A. Sani (Rtd) to the PDP family, looking forward to working together to secure victory for Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and all PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections, as contained in a statement signed by Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, Publicity Secretary (PRO).
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