With the 2027 general election campaigns set to begin in less than two weeks, leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Gombe State are at odds regarding the party’s grassroots preparedness. The dispute involves the Northeast Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Samaila, governorship aspirant Dr. Babayo Ardo, and National President Mallam Zakari Garba Bura.
Alhaji Samaila contends that the NDC lacks a significant presence in Gombe, pointing to a lack of campaign materials, branded vehicles, and visible organizational activity compared to other regional states. He suggested that building a formidable structure is still possible with proper funding but claimed he had seen no evidence of an active campaign team or formal committee.
In response, Mallam Bura maintained that the coalition maintains a robust network across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. He asserted that the party has already established functioning units throughout Gombe’s 11 local government areas and 114 wards, with teams already active in regions such as Akko, Dukku, and Nafada.
Dr. Ardo rejected claims of a weak foundation, noting that the party is relatively new, having only been registered in February 2026. He stated that the NDC has already formed comprehensive executive committees from the ward to the state level. Dr. Ardo emphasized that his campaign strategy will center on policy issues, such as security, agriculture, and healthcare, rather than personal disputes. He concluded by calling for unity among party stakeholders to ensure a cohesive effort moving forward.
