2027 Gombe election will be won at polling units, not social media, says APC candidate's aide

The upcoming 2027 governorship election in Gombe State will be decided by voters at polling units, not by online popularity, according to Ibrahim Shawai, the media aide to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Gwamna. Shawai stressed that while social media is a vital communication tool, "likes are not ballots," and online followers cannot replace grassroots mobilization.

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There is a fundamental truth about politics that the excitement of the social media age sometimes makes us forget: elections are not won by the loudest voices online. They are won by the people who actually go to polling units to cast their votes.

"Elections are not won by the loudest voices online. They are won by the people who actually go to polling units to cast their votes," Shawai stated. He added that the decision for the next governor will be made by the people at polling units across the state's local government areas, not on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok.

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In 2027, the next governor of Gombe State will not be elected on Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok. That decision will be made at polling units across the Local Government Areas of Gombe State by the people who live with the consequences of that choice.

Shawai emphasized that political visibility on social media should not be confused with genuine voter acceptance. He noted that Gwamna's engagement with the people of Gombe has been ongoing for over two decades, predating the current election cycle. His extensive experience in the corporate world, public service, and philanthropic activities has shaped his relationship with the state's communities.

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Politics, after all, is local. Anyone seeking to govern a people must understand their communities, aspirations, frustrations and expectations. Beyond that, the people themselves must know the person asking for their mandate.

The focus for the 2027 election, Shawai suggested, should now move beyond introducing Gwamna to explaining his concrete plans for the state. "The more important conversation today is about his vision for the future. It is increasingly less about ‘Who is Jamil Gwamna?’ and more about ‘What does Jamil Gwamna intend to do for Gombe State?’" he said. Key issues for discussion include employment, agriculture, education, healthcare, investment, and government efficiency.

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For Jamil Gwamna, that relationship did not begin with the approach of the 2027 election. Sardaunan Gombe began his campaign more than two decades ago, long before the present political contest.