Beyond the governor: Why Gombe’s 2027 election may hinge on running mates

The upcoming 2027 general election in Gombe State has shifted focus from governorship candidates to the crucial selection of deputy governorship candidates. This decision is more than a constitutional formality; it represents a complex negotiation involving religion, geography, loyalty, and the future distribution of political power.

For the leading contenders, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Bala Bello of the African Democratic Congress, choosing a running mate requires extensive consultation with party leaders, traditional institutions, religious blocs, and other influential stakeholders. The process involves balancing competence against loyalty, popularity against experience, and electoral calculations against demands for equity and inclusion.

Political observers note that deputy governorship selections have historically played a strategic role in Gombe's politics. The deputy often acts as a bridge between competing interests, assuring communities of their stake in government and expanding the ticket's electoral reach. In Northern Nigeria, including Gombe, political landscapes often feature informal balancing arrangements based on religion, geography, and inclusion. This dynamic is particularly significant in the current race, as all three main governorship candidates are Muslim, suggesting parties may look to Gombe South for a running mate to ensure broader representation.