Gombe PDP kicks off 2027 campaign; Pantami vows to fight poverty

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has flagged off its campaign for the 2027 governorship election, with its candidate, Isa Pantami, promising to tackle poverty, promote economic empowerment and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

Mr Pantami pledged at an event on Thursday in Gombe, attended by party supporters and stakeholders.

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy promised to prioritise residents’ welfare and ensure that government resources translated into tangible benefits.

He said he would pursue policies to expand employment opportunities, strengthen businesses and improve the economic conditions of young people, women and other vulnerable groups.

Mr Pantami identified farmers, traders, local contractors and small business owners as critical players in the state’s economic development, promising to create an enabling environment for them to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

“Our people deserve opportunities to earn a decent living. We must create an environment where young people and women can find jobs. At the same time, farmers, traders and local contractors receive the necessary support to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state,” he said.

He argued that reducing poverty required practical interventions and sustainable economic policies, adding that his administration would focus on initiatives to make residents economically independent.

On accountability, the PDP candidate stressed that public funds must be managed transparently and used to address the people’s pressing needs.

He maintained that government resources should be channelled towards projects and programmes with a direct impact on communities, insisting that responsible financial management would be central to his administration.

Former governor and current Gombe North senator Ibrahim Dankwambo also used the occasion to call on party members to close ranks and work together towards the PDP’s victory in 2027.

Mr Dankwambo urged supporters to put internal disagreements behind them, strengthen the party’s structures at the grassroots and intensify mobilisation across the state’s 11 local government areas.

He warned against allowing personal differences to weaken the party’s chances, stressing that collective commitment would be necessary to communicate the PDP’s message effectively to voters.

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“The task ahead requires unity, commitment and collective responsibility. Members must work together, reach out to the people and ensure that the party’s message is clearly communicated across every community,” Mr Dankwambo said.

He further appealed to party supporters to maintain peace and discipline throughout the electioneering process, urging them to focus their campaigns on issues affecting the welfare and development of Gombe State.

Mr Dankwambo was governor from 2011 to 2019 before his election to the Senate in 2023.

The campaign flag-off brought together PDP leaders, stakeholders and supporters from different parts of the state, signalling the party’s commencement of grassroots mobilisation for the 2027 governorship contest.