After the serious struggles to occupy the Gombe State Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya and Ibrahim Dankwambo are set for a showdown in Gombe North Senatorial District.

The looming battle for the Senatorial District is shaping up to be a dramatic rematch between two of the state’s most influential political figures.

Dankwambo governed Gombe from 2011 to 2019 and took a shot at the senate in 2019 but lost. However, he tried again in 2023 and won.

However, Yahaya who will round off his second term as governor next year, is also contesting the seat, which Dankwambo is eyeing for a second term.

Their rivalry dates back over a decade and has remained one of the defining political contests in Gombe.

While Yahaya clinched the senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe has just chosen Dankwambo as its consensus candidate.

The affirmation exercise took place at the PDP Gombe North Zonal Office in Malam Sidi, attracting party leaders and stakeholders from across the five local government areas of the zone — Gombe, Kwami, Funakaye, Dukku and Nafada.

Among those present were the PDP zonal chairman, members of the State Executive Committee, local government party officials and other prominent stakeholders.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also monitored the exercise to ensure compliance with the party’s internal procedures and electoral guidelines.

Party leaders at the gathering expressed confidence in Dankwambo’s leadership and political experience, describing him as a unifying figure capable of sustaining the party’s strength in the zone.

Speakers at the event also reaffirmed the unity of the PDP in Gombe North and pledged continued support for the former governor ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In 2015, Dankwambo sought re-election as governor and faced a stiff challenge from Yahaya. Although Yahaya lost the election, he blamed the defeat on the overwhelming influence of incumbency enjoyed by Dankwambo at the time.

The roots of their political feud, however, stretch back to 2011 when Yahaya, then commissioner for finance under former governor Danjuma Goje, signalled interest in succeeding his boss.

But Goje opted for Dankwambo — who had previously served as Accountant General of Gombe State before rising to become Accountant General of the Federation — sidelining Yahaya in the succession battle.

Ironically, Dankwambo later fell out with Goje midway into his administration, prompting the former governor to back Yahaya against him in the 2015 governorship election. Despite the fierce contest, Dankwambo narrowly retained power with 285,369 votes against Yahaya’s 205,132 votes.

Four years later, Yahaya staged a political comeback, defeating Dankwambo’s preferred successor, Senator Usman Bayero Nafada of the PDP, to emerge governor in 2019. He consolidated his dominance in 2023 by defeating another PDP candidate backed by Dankwambo, Muhammad Jibrin Barde.

With both men now poised for another showdown, political analysts believe the 2027 senatorial contest could be a high-stakes replay of the fierce 2015 battle.

Observers say Governor Yahaya may head into the race with the advantage of incumbency and political structure. Supporters point to his administration’s execution of major infrastructure projects, which they describe as unprecedented in the state’s history. His government also cleared billions of naira in outstanding gratuities owed to retirees — liabilities accumulated during the Dankwambo administration.

The APC currently maintains a firm grip on Gombe politics, controlling the governorship seat, both senatorial seats, all five House of Representatives positions, and the entire 24-member State House of Assembly.

However, despite his political dominance, critics accuse Yahaya of sidelining loyalists and running an exclusive government. Some party members and residents claim those who worked tirelessly for his electoral victories have been neglected.

Dankwambo is also facing criticism within the senatorial district. Residents across the five local government areas of Dukku, Funakaye, Gombe, Kwami, and Nafada have accused the senator of being distant and inaccessible.

Some political stakeholders who supported his emergence allege that he rarely engages with constituents or consults grassroots supporters on issues affecting the district.

Still, despite the growing criticisms on both sides, political pundits believe the expected showdown between Inuwa Yahaya and Dankwambo will remain one of the most closely watched political battles in Gombe ahead of 2027 — a true clash of titans. Daily Trust)